Los Angeles Chargers Appoint Mike McDaniel as Offensive Coordinator

The Los Angeles Chargers have officially appointed Mike McDaniel as their new offensive coordinator. McDaniel, known for his innovative coaching style, joins the Chargers after a successful stint with the Miami Dolphins.

Background on Mike McDaniel

Mike McDaniel served as the head coach of the Miami Dolphins from 2022 to 2025. Under his leadership, the Dolphins achieved significant success, including a ranking of No. 8 in the NFL for both passing and total offense. McDaniel recorded 35 victories, steering the team to playoff appearances during his first two seasons.

2023 Season Highlights

The 2023 season saw McDaniel lead the Dolphins to an impressive 11-win record. The team boasted the highest total offense in the NFL, averaging 401.3 net yards per game. It also led the league in passing offense with an average of 265.5 net passing yards per game, ranking second in scoring offense at 29.2 points per game.

• Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa led the NFL with 4,624 passing yards.
• The Dolphins were among just 18 teams in NFL history to feature a 4,000-yard passer, a 1,000-yard rusher, and two 1,000-yard receivers in a single season.

Coaching Achievements

Throughout his career, McDaniel has been instrumental in coaching 17 players to a total of 26 Pro Bowl selections. Notable players include Tyreek Hill, Deebo Samuel, Trent Williams, and George Kittle, all of whom have received first-team All-Pro honors.

Previous Coaching Experience

McDaniel’s coaching journey is closely tied to Head Coach Kyle Shanahan. During his time with the San Francisco 49ers, he served five seasons, first as the run game coordinator and then as the offensive coordinator in 2021. The 49ers’ offense ranked sixth in the NFL during his tenure, averaging 367.4 total net yards per game. In 2021, McDaniel showcased Deebo Samuel as a versatile offensive weapon, accumulating over 1,700 yards from scrimmage.

Before joining the 49ers, McDaniel’s career included notable roles in Atlanta, Cleveland, and Washington. In 2016, while in Atlanta, he contributed to a team that ranked second in total offense and led the league in scoring. The Falcons advanced to Super Bowl LIII that season.

Early Career

McDaniel began his NFL coaching career as a scout intern with the Denver Broncos in 2005. He then progressed to roles with the Houston Texans, where he worked alongside Shanahan’s father, Gary Kubiak. His experience also includes coaching running backs in the United Football League.

A native of Colorado, McDaniel has a diverse background. He played as a wide receiver at Yale University, where he earned a degree in history. He resides in Los Angeles with his wife, Katie, and their daughter, Ayla.