Mike McDaniel
Quick Facts
- Role: Offensive Coordinator
- Team: Los Angeles Chargers (LAC)
- Current holder: Mike McDaniel (former Dolphins HC)
- Coaching tree: Shanahan tree (49ers branch); see Coaching Trees
Background
McDaniel was the headline name of the 2026 OC cycle. As Dolphins HC in 2023, he ran the NFL's No. 1 offense (401.3 yards/game) with Tua Tagovailoa. Famous for scheming explosive plays for RBs (Raheem Mostert led the NFL with 18 rushing TDs at 31; De'Von Achane is one of the league's best weapons). Has the seventh-most team yards per play (5.78) among Super Bowl-era head coaches.
CBS gave the hire an A+ — best OC hire of the cycle.
Scheme and Tendencies
Shanahan-style outside zone, motion, condensed formations, RB screens, and chunk plays off play action. Expect a big bump for both Justin Herbert and rookie RB Omarion Hampton's fantasy ceilings.
Recent News
- 2026-08-06 — NFL power rankings: As preseason opens, AFC field appears to be wide open (NFL power rankings: As preseason opens, AFC field appears to be wide open)
- 2026-08-29 — 2026 NFL Power Rankings: Evaluating All 32 Teams After Preseason Action (2026 NFL Power Rankings: Evaluating All 32 Teams After Preseason Action)
- 2026-08-28 — NFL Preseason Power Rankings: Where Do All 32 Teams Stand? [2026] (NFL Preseason Power Rankings: Where Do All 32 Teams Stand? [2026])
- 2026-08-28 — Which NFL win total projections are too low, too high or just right? - The Athletic (Which NFL win total projections are too low, too high or just right? - The Athletic)
- 2026-08-27 — 2026 NFL season: Ranking all 32 teams' watchability, excitement (2026 NFL season: Ranking all 32 teams' watchability, excitement)
- 2026-08-20 — 2026 NFL Preseason Week 2 Recap: Immediate fantasy football takeaways from Thursday's... (2026 NFL Preseason Week 2 Recap: Immediate fantasy football takeaways from Thursday's...)
- 2026-08-26 — CBS Sports NFL roster rankings 2026: Rams lead league's top 16 teams, defending... (CBS Sports NFL roster rankings 2026: Rams lead league's top 16 teams, defending...)
- 2026-08-18 — The NFL Preseason Injury Panic Index (The NFL Preseason Injury Panic Index)
- 2026-08-29 — Updated Fantasy Defense Rankings 2026: What Is the Best Defense for Fantasy Football? (Updated Fantasy Defense Rankings 2026: What Is the Best Defense for Fantasy Football?)
- 2026-08-13 — 2026 Offensive Line Rankings: Season Outlooks, Analysis & More (2026 Offensive Line Rankings: Season Outlooks, Analysis & More)
Sources
- Full list of 2026 NFL coordinator grades from CBS Sports
- Chargers add Miami-tree assistants around McDaniel for 2026