Mike McDaniel Makes Shocking Decision On Bills Head Coach Vacancy That No One Saw Coming
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
Former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel continues to explore his options in the coaching market, although he is expected to become the Los Angeles Chargers’ new offensive coordinator barring something extraordinary.
McDaniel’s future isn’t entirely clear, which is why he continues to interview with teams with head-coaching vacancies. The Buffalo Bills joined the list this week, after they fired Sean McDermott.
Despite his ties to the Chargers, McDaniel could still join another team if offered a head-coaching job. He was scheduled to meet with Bills officials on Friday, but canceled the interview, according to Dianna Russini of The Athletic.
Update: Mike McDaniel pulled out of his scheduled meeting down in Florida with the Bills yesterday, I’m told, and the two sides never met.
McDaniel remains in contention for the Raiders’ head coaching job, but if he takes an OC position, it’s still expected to be with the… pic.twitter.com/9vH6eellLa
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) January 24, 2026
Mike McDaniel’s Options After Canceling Meeting With Bills
Russini added that McDaniel is still expected to join Jim Harbaugh’s coaching staff in Los Angeles, unless he’s hired for one of the league’s five remaining head-coaching vacancies. He met with the Chargers on Tuesday for the OC job, but the deal hasn’t been finalized yet.
This is the second time McDaniel has rejected a team during this coaching carousel. He was one of four coaches who rejected the Cleveland Browns, backing out of a second interview on Wednesday. McDaniel also interviewed for the Las Vegas Raiders opening, which is still in play.
The Arizona Cardinals and the Pittsburgh Steelers also need a new head coach. He remains in play for an offensive coordinator job, too, although it is unlikely given his prior commitment to the Chargers. The Philadelphia Eagles and Tampa Bay Buccaneers could snatch him away.
