Chargers Dream OC Shares Big Update

Cleveland was widely viewed as one of the few remaining head coaching opportunities where McDaniel could realistically land this cycle. He had already completed a first interview and was scheduled for an in-person follow-up before backing out.

That decision effectively removes one of the largest “offers” on McDaniel’s table — a head coaching role — and clarifies the landscape. While McDaniel has also interviewed with the Raiders and Ravens for head coaching positions, several other potential landing spots (Falcons, Titans) have already been filled.

The Browns, meanwhile, remain tied to internal and defensive-minded options such as Jim Schwartz, with Ravens OC Todd Monken, Jaguars OC Grant Udinski, and Rams pass game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase still involved. McDaniel’s exit signals he’s weighing more than just titles.

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Why Cleveland Was Never Ideal

Context matters here. The Browns’ job comes with heavy baggage: owner Jimmy Haslam’s reputation for involvement, the lingering impact of the Deshaun Watson contract, and looming dead money that will restrict roster flexibility for years. Even Kevin Stefanski — a two-time playoff coach in Cleveland — couldn’t escape the turbulence.

For McDaniel, stepping away doesn’t read as fear or retreat. It reads as selectivity.

Working with a stable quarterback, organizational clarity, and a cleaner runway may now matter more than chasing a head coaching title tied to structural limitations.

Where the Chargers Enter the Picture

That’s where the Chargers benefit.

Pelissero reports McDaniel has received multiple offensive coordinator offers, and the Chargers are firmly in that mix. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport has confirmed Los Angeles is set to interview McDaniel for its OC vacancy — a significant development given how competitive the market has been.

Importantly, this isn’t a consolation prize interview. With Cleveland’s HC role now off the board, the Chargers’ pitch becomes stronger, not weaker.

Few coordinator openings offer what Los Angeles does:

• A franchise quarterback in Justin Herbert
• A clear mandate to modernize and maximize the passing game
• A situation where immediate offensive success can reset league perception

For a coach who built his reputation as one of football’s most creative offensive minds, that combination matters.

The Resume Fits the Moment

McDaniel’s track record speaks loudly. As the Dolphins’ head coach from 2022 to 2025, he served as the primary play-caller while overseeing elite production:

• 2022: 6th in total offense (364.5 YPG)
• 2023: 1st in total offense (401.3 YPG)

That 2023 unit led the NFL in both total yards and passing yards, unlocking career seasons from Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill. His play-calling reputation only strengthened, earning him recognition from The 33rd Team as a top-10 NFL play-caller in 2025.

Pairing that skill set with Herbert’s arm talent is the type of alignment that can benefit both sides — and fast.

Why This Sets Up a Better Process for L.A.

With one major head coaching option gone, McDaniel’s timeline compresses. Coordinator roles — especially premium ones — become more attractive when fewer HC doors remain open.

For the Chargers, that creates leverage. They’re no longer competing against Cleveland’s title or promise, but instead offering something arguably more valuable in the short term: offensive credibility, quarterback synergy, and a chance to re-enter the league’s elite conversation.

This doesn’t guarantee McDaniel ends up in Los Angeles. But the removal of a major outside variable reshapes the process in a way that clearly benefits the Chargers.

Sometimes, the most important move in a coaching search is the one another team never gets to make.