The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ search for a new offensive coordinator continues to draw attention around the league, including interest in former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel.
McDaniel has emerged as a potential candidate as the team reshuffles its offensive staff after being fired by Miami in 2025 after a 7-10 record. His emergence immediately brought a creative attacking mind to the market, one with a proven track record of innovation and adaptability.
advertise
In the 2025 season, Miami’s offense totaled just over 5,100 yards and averaged about 20 points per game. This team has struggled to remain consistent, ranking in the bottom third of the league in scoring while falling outside the top teams in terms of overall offensive efficiency. Those struggles, particularly with maintaining momentum and finishing games in the red zone, played a role in the organization’s decision to move in a different direction.
Even so, McDaniel’s offensive identity remains clear. Miami continues to rely heavily on movement, space and time-based concepts designed to create favorable matchups and simplify quarterback reads, and the Buccaneers can utilize weapons like Tez Johnson and Bucky Irving that thrive in space.
While execution and injuries have affected the results in 2025, the offensive framework still reflects a modern, quarterback-friendly approach. Some of Miami’s woes stemmed from key injuries, such as Tyreek Hill missing nearly the entire season with a dislocated knee and Tua Tagovailoa’s inconsistent quarterback play that ultimately led to him being replaced by rookie Quin Ewers.
For Tampa Bay, interviewing McDaniel would provide an opportunity to be creative on offense without the added responsibilities that come with a head coaching role, while also providing an opportunity to return to Tampa Bay as head coach as the heir apparent to Todd Bowles.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Can Mike McDaniel bring offensive creativity back to Tampa Bay?
