The Ravens have completed an interview with former Miami Dolphins Head Coach Mike McDaniel.
Here are five things to know about McDaniel:
Success as a play-caller has been McDaniel's calling card.
As the offensive play-caller for the Miami Dolphins during his three seasons as head coach, McDaniel's scheme was diverse and difficult to defend.
After ranking sixth overall offensively in 2022, the Dolphins were No. 1 in total offense and passing offense in 2023. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and wide receiver Tyreek Hill had career years in 2023, and the Dolphins made the playoffs in McDaniels' first two seasons. Coaching the Ravens would give the 42-year-old McDaniel the opportunity to maximize the talents of Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry, Zay Flowers, and the team's other weapons.
Before going to Miami, McDaniel spent one season with the San Francisco 49ers as offensive coordinator under head coach Kyle Shanahan, another offensive innovator.
In 2011-2012, McDaniel was on a Washington Commanders coaching staff that included Sean McVay, Matt LeFleur, and Shanahan. All three are head coaches who, along with McDaniel, are considered among the league's more imaginative play-callers.
Multiple teams are asking to speak with him, including as offensive coordinator.
ESPN's Peter Schrager reported that the Ravens are interviewing McDaniel for the head coach and offensive coordinator openings.
McDaniel completed head coach interviews with the Atlanta Falcons, Cleveland Browns, and, reportedly the Tennessee Titans this week.
The Detroit Lions are also reportedly interested in speaking with McDaniel about being their offensive coordinator.
It's possible that McDaniel will have multiple options to consider by the end of the week. However, the Ravens are generally regarded as the most attractive landing spot, and McDaniel may already be brainstorming new ways to use Jackson's vast skillset.
McDaniel has a unique style and persona.
From his wardrobe to his dealings with the media, McDaniel didn't present like the typical NFL head coach during his tenure with the Dolphins. He was casual, often wearing a sweatsuit during games or practices with glasses that gave off a professorial vibe.
He had his own style and seemed unfazed by outside opinion. He was hailed as an authentic “players’ coach” early in his tenure when the Dolphins made the playoffs in his first two seasons. However, during Miami's losing seasons in 2024 and '25, McDaniel was criticized for being “too lenient.”
McDaniel will surely be asked during interviews about what transpired during his first head coaching tenure, and how that experience will help him if he gets a second opportunity.
He has shown an eye for recognizing offensive talent.
McDaniel spent five seasons on the 49ers' staff (2017-21) and is credited with helping their skill position players develop. San Francisco tight end George Kittle, a fifth-round pick in 2017, is a seven-time Pro Bowler who has a close relationship with McDaniel.
"I may not be here if not for Mike," Kittle said via Marcel Louis-Jacques of ESPN.com. "He told me he stood on the table and pushed to pick me. He said, 'I was making a fool of myself demanding that they draft you in the fifth round.' He wanted me in the fourth and they were like, 'Oh, he'll be there later.'"
Baltimore's offense regressed from being No. 1 in the NFL in 2024 to 16th overall in 2025. McDaniel could be viewed as the right choice to get the Ravens' attack back on track.
McDaniel is "extremely proud" of his biracial heritage.
When he was hired by the Dolphins, McDaniel fielded questions about his racial identity and took pride in talking about his family background.
"First and foremost, I'm biracial," McDaniel said via ESPN.com. "My mom's White, my dad's Black. I've been extremely proud of that my whole life. It is a unique experience, being a race and then fully acknowledging that most outside observers, when they perceive you, they identify you as something other than the race you are. When you're younger and that is happening, it's very, very confusing."
McDaniel believes his upbringing helps him connect with people from diverse backgrounds.
"I think people identify me as something, but I identify as a human being," McDaniel said. "It's weird that it comes up because I've just tried to be a good person, and I think my background opens my eyes a little bit. I don't have any real experience with racism. But I know my mom experienced it when she married my dad. I know my dad experienced it and that it's in my family. I guess that makes me a human being that can identify with other people's problems."
