Dec 15, 2025: Head Coach Mike McDaniel during the Pittsburgh Steelers vs Miami Dolphins game in Pittsburgh, PA. /CSM Pittsburgh USA - ZUMAcp5_ 20251215_faf_cp5_022 Copyright: xJasonxPohuskix

Jan 20, 2026, 4:43 PM CUT

Shannon Sharpe and Chad Johnson Want Mike McDaniel to Choose Better Than Shedeur Sanders and Co.

Right before Cleveland's Monday interview with Mike McDaniel, Shannon Sharpe encouraged the former Dolphins coach to look at other opportunities.

In the Nightcap Podcast, Shannon Sharpe talked to Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson about Mike McDaniel coaching Shedeur Sanders. And when Ochocinco suggested the Detroit Lions as a potential destination, Sharpe agreed.

"He has a great offensive mind and those guys: the McVays, the Shanahans. He came from that system. We've seen what those systems. We've seen it work, especially when you got talent. As you mentioned, Detroit has loads of talent."

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - DECEMBER 21: Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel leaves the field following pregame warmsups before the game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, December 21, 2025 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL Photo by Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA DEC 21 Bengals at Dolphins EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon251221010

The two legends referred to the 2023 Dolphins. They led the NFL in total offense with 401.3 yards per game. This was the first time Miami topped the league since 1994. Wide receiver Tyreek Hill set the Dolphins' single-season records and became the first in franchise history to lead the league in receiving yards.

McDaniel could bring the same energy here. The Lions had two WRs this season crossing the 1000-yard mark in Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, with 11 and 7 touchdowns, respectively.

Meanwhile, for the Browns, only two players managed to get past the 500-yard mark. Leading the pack was TE Harold Fannin Jr. with 731 yards and then Jerry Jeudy, with 602.

And while there is good rookie talent amongst the receivers and running backs, Shedeur Sanders hasn't lived up to the hype with just 1,400 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions in 8 games this season.

However, There Is One Saving Grace For the Cleveland Browns

The Lions had fired their offensive coordinator, John Morton, on Tuesday, and reports said they are looking for a new one. Although Dan Campbell said that he would likely let McDaniel handle the calling duties, there's one problem.

According to an ESPN NFL reporter, Jeff Darlington has said that the Lions are not on good terms with him.

"Of coordinator jobs that Mike McDaniel has interviewed for, the Lions gig was the least likely to materialize. Campbell liked McDaniel a lot, but Lions didn’t view it as quite the right fit for them. As for other OC vacancies? Mike is very much in play. Ball is in his court," he posted on X.

Does this open the way for the Browns to bring him on? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Written by

Reyansh Dubey

Edited by

Siddharth Shirwadkar