After discussing the 7-10 season with Mike McDaniel, the team’s former head coach, the Miami Dolphins decided to move past him on Thursday. And within a few hours, there were reports of the Browns showing interest in McDaniel.

In an X post, Jeremy Fowler wrote, “Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel would be a candidate for the Cleveland Browns job if both teams make a change,” increasing the chances of an offense-minded hire.

McDaniel Powered the Miami Dolphins

McDaniel was fired after spending four years with the Dolphins. In his tenure, the franchise had consecutive winning seasons and playoff berths in 2022-2023.

Before his stint ended with the team, with a 35-33 record, many were convinced he would coach the Dolphins for a fifth time after recovering from a 1-6 start to competing for the playoffs until week 15. 

In Week 3 of his second year, the Dolphins wiped the floor with the Denver Broncos in a 70-20 matchup. 

Mike McDaniel is a powerhouse

The 42-year-old is an offensive powerhouse. Within his year, the Dolphins ended the 2022 season ranked sixth in yards with 4511 and 11th in total points secured with 397 (23.4 per game). 

If McDaniel joins the Browns, he could not only fix their leaky offense but also turn the franchise into an unbeatable force. With Jim Schwartz leading Myles Garrett and the defensive unit, one of the best in the league currently, the Browns can finally have stable units and become the “winning team,” as Haslam envisions.

Like the Browns’ former head coach, McDaneil had two bad seasons, which ended in a 15-19 record. As Kevin Stefanksi dealt with Deshaun Watson, McDaniel had to put up with Tua Tagovialova’s absence after paying him $212 million for a four-year contract. Tagovialova has played only 25 games in the past two years, and those were his underwhelming performances.

Apart from McDaniel, the Browns have a few options. They have interviewed their offense and defense coordinators- Tommy Rees and Jim Schwartz, respectively. They are also keen on the Ravens’ former head coach, John Harbaugh, and their offensive coordinator, Todd Monken.

Currently, there are eight NFL coach openings, and the Browns need a change. Will McDaniel move to the AFC North and pull Haslam’s team out of its plight?

Written by

Akanksha Biradar

Edited by

Joyita Das