49ers OC McDaniel focused on Cowboys, not HC interviews

Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports

49ers' Mike McDaniel focused on Cowboys, not head coaching interviews

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 1/13/22

Mike McDaniel worked for the San Francisco 49ers as run game specialist in 2017 and then as run game coordinator the following three years until he was promoted to the role of offensive coordinator last January. That decision went well for all involved, as the Niners finished the season seventh in total yards (375.7) and 13th in points (25.1) per game, per ESPN stats.

McDaniel has attracted quite the online following for his performances in post-game press conferences, and Myles Simmons of Pro Football Talk noted Tuesday the Miami Dolphins requested to interview the 38-year-old:

I hope the Vikings hire 49ers OC Mike McDaniel, simply for the press conference vibes pic.twitter.com/y221Gv4qPT
— Will Ragatz (@WillRagatz) January 12, 2022

I promise you there is not a brighter football mind in the League. pic.twitter.com/FT1NhAlpAx
— Andrew Hawkins (@Hawk) January 12, 2022

According to David Bonilla of 49ers WebZone, McDaniel was asked following Thursday's practice about potential opportunities waiting for him as he prepares his squad for Sunday's wild-card game at the Dallas Cowboys.

"Yeah, it has [come to my attention], but as far as juggling, there is no juggling," McDaniel answered about his current mindset. "It's about the Dallas Cowboys and the 49ers offense going down there and performing, and the 49ers team doing whatever it takes to try to get a W against a very good football team. And that's it."

Head coach Kyle Shanahan will be pleased to know McDaniel is focused on the task at hand but likely also realizes he could soon lose a valuable asset, especially if the 49ers are eliminated from the postseason tournament before Monday morning arrives.

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