MIAMI GARDENS, FL - DEC 28: Miami Dolphins Head Coach Mike McDaniel calls a play during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Miami Dolphins on December 28, 2025 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA DEC 28 Buccaneers at Dolphins EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon357251228130
MIAMI GARDENS, FL - DEC 28: Miami Dolphins Head Coach Mike McDaniel calls a play during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Miami Dolphins on December 28, 2025 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA DEC 28 Buccaneers at Dolphins EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon357251228130
Jan 15, 2026, 8:01 AM CUT
NFL Insider Claims Mike McDaniel Most Likely to Cleveland Browns' HC Role Over John Harbaugh
It looks like the Browns' search for a new leader after Kevin Stefanski's exit is coming to an end.
According to NFL Insider Dan Graziano, McDaniel is the frontrunner to become the Browns' next head coach over John Harbaugh.
"All of the intel we have on this one says the Browns are looking for an offensive-minded head coach who won't mind keeping Jim Schwartz as the defensive coordinator."
His offense uses pre-snap motion to read defenses, create favorable matchups, and disguise play intentions. Plus, a key element of McDaniel’s offensive philosophy is the ability to threaten defenses both horizontally and vertically. Just look at his Miami numbers.
The team ranked sixth in total offense with an average of 364.5 yards per game in 2022 and first with 401.3 yards per game in 2023. McDaniel's previous tenure with the Cleveland Browns also works in his favor.
McDaniel was the wide receivers coach for the Cleveland Browns under head coach Mike Pettine. He worked with players like Andrew Hawkins and Taylor Gabriel, helping quarterback Brian Hoyer to his only 3,000‑yard passing season.
And Dan Graziano isn't the only one backing McDaniel for the role.
"If I had to just make an educated guess, again, this is a guess, but this is based on some of my conversations. I think he'll [McDaniel] end up being a prime candidate in Cleveland, so we'll see where it goes," ESPN senior NFL reporter, Jeremy Fowler, said.
What about John Harbaugh?
John Harbaugh is a Super Bowl-winning head coach. He was born in Cleveland and grew up among hardcore fans of the Cleveland Browns.
ESPN Senior NFL Insider, Adam Schefter, reported, "John Harbaugh and the Giants are working to finalize an agreement to make him New York’s next head coach and, barring a setback, a deal is expected, multiple sources tell ESPN."
Insider reports said that the former Ravens head coach flew to have a one-on-one interview with the Giants, and he also talked with their QB, Jaxson Dart. While there have been reports of him considering an interview with Atlanta and the Titans, the Browns are nowhere on the list.
Written by
Reyansh Dubey
Edited by
Siddharth Shirwadkar