As the Browns continue their search for a new head coach, on Monday, they announced they will interview Mike McDaniel. The former Miami Dolphins coach is the team’s sixth candidate for this job. 

McDaniel was previously tied to the Browns when he served as the wide receiver coach in 2014. They ended the season with a 7-9 record. He built quarterback Brian Hoyer’s 3000-yard passing season, which was the first and last time Hoyer ever did. 

Andrew Hawkins, a former wide receiver, gave his career-best performance of two touchdowns and 63 receptions for 824 yards.

McDaneil Has a Proven Offensive Record

Mcdaniel could be the perfect coach to solve the Browns’ fractured offensive unit, which was criticized relentlessly and ultimately cost them the season. 

With the Dolphins, he was the coach and also the “offensive play caller.” In his first two seasons, their offensive unit became a chart-topping one. In 2022, they covered 6,197 yards, with 364.5 passing yards per game, which made them the sixth-best team that year.

In 2023, they ranked No.1 with 6822 yards and 401.3 passing yards per game. He left the team with a 35-33 record and two back-to-back playoff appearances, which last happened in 2000 and 2001. 

Other than that, during the one year McDaniel worked as the San Francisco 49ers’ offensive coordinator, the team finished seventh with 375.7 yards per game and 13th in scoring offense with 25.1 points per game.

The other prospects

The Browns have looked into offensive coordinator Tommy Rees and defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, and interviewed them last Thursday. According to experts, Rees was a courtesy interview, but Schwartz holds ground. 

They interviewed Dan Pitcher, Bengals offensive coordinator, and Seahawks defensive coordinator Aden Durde on Friday. These were followed by Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken’s interview on Sunday.  

Many have reasons to believe that the franchise wants to hire John Harbaugh, the Ravens’ former coach. But according to the latest reports, Harbaugh might have eyes set on either the New York Giants or the Atlanta Falcons. The Miami Dolphins have also shown interest in him. 

The Browns have vowed to rebuild themselves and turn into a winning team. While an experienced coach who will stabilize the team is important, they need a proven offensive mind. Will McDaniel be that leader? 

Written by

Akanksha Biradar

Edited by

Joyita Das