Mike McDaniel And The Bucs
January 8th, 2026
So the Dolphins just canned their head coach, a skilled playcaller who had the NFL’s No. 1-ranked offense — and what a sight it was — in 2023. And the Bucs now have a fresh vacancy at offensive coordinator.
Mike McDaniel was known as the wizard behind Kyle Shanahan’s inventive running game with the 49ers before he landed the Dolphins head job. This season the Dolphins ranked No. 4 in the NFL in yards per carry.
McDaniel also knows how to throw deep, use elite weapons and get the most out of running backs.
Joe doesn’t care today about McDaniel’s shortcomings as a head coach. He was 35-33 in four seasons with the Dolphins. (Sound familiar?)
McDaniel can fill a role the Bucs desperately need. Joe can only imagine what he would produce with all the Bucs’ weapons.
January 8th, 2026 at 10:54 am
Bring him on in for a once over!
January 8th, 2026 at 10:54 am
anyone but Bowles is good at this point
January 8th, 2026 at 10:58 am
Please not another first time play caller.
We would have to pay him more than Bowles probably!! LMAO
January 8th, 2026 at 10:59 am
Why would McDaniel take the Bucs’ job with Bowles basically going into 2026 on the hot seat? Of course I guess if he could somehow get Coen-like numbers put up and then Bowles’ D fails again as expected he could be in line to be the next HC unless the Glazers repeat history and have McDaniel leave like Coen.
January 8th, 2026 at 10:59 am
Yes!! We need an established and seasoned NFL OC! Some guys are just meant to be coordinators…
Do it!
January 8th, 2026 at 10:59 am
How can the bucs fire Grizzsrd but give Bowles a pass. Makes zero sense. And the Joes acting like all is well. Laughable
January 8th, 2026 at 10:59 am
This would be a great pickup. Go get him!
January 8th, 2026 at 11:00 am
Grizz can go to Jags now. Bring In McDaniels or Daboll.. but idk if they want to come knowing bowles is a dead man walking if he has one more bad year.
Bring in
OC: Mike McDaniels
Daboll
Nate Scheelhaase
DC:
Brain Flores ” hes a FA ”
Karl Scott
January 8th, 2026 at 11:00 am
Assume Ross going all-out on Harbaugh. McDaniel is going to get looks as HC.
January 8th, 2026 at 11:00 am
In favor of Todd Monken returning.
Dirk brought Monken in to get Mike Evans on the right track and Mike has been on track since.
Love his honesty “We chose to suck” when describing the Bucs red zone offense
Maybe it is someone else, but Monken would be a massive upgrade from Grizz
January 8th, 2026 at 11:00 am
I think it’s highly unlikely we get any of the Frontline guys now that Todd is officially in lame duck land. I don’t mind the firing of Grizz, but I can’t help but wonder how much of his offensive shortcomings were a product of being directed to run an offense that covered for our horrible defense.
January 8th, 2026 at 11:02 am
Wouldnt even mind taking a look at Al Harris at DC. from the bears.. they rank first in take aways.
January 8th, 2026 at 11:02 am
If he’s ok with less than a HC job, this seems about perfect. If he comes in and lights it up but the defense still blows he’ll have a chance at HC. I could see him and Baker getting along.
January 8th, 2026 at 11:02 am
He’s going to the Commanders, he coached with Quinn in Atlanta and a chance to coach Daniels. They fit is too good not to go to Washington
January 8th, 2026 at 11:03 am
Throw deep? Lmao
January 8th, 2026 at 11:04 am
Works for me.
January 8th, 2026 at 11:05 am
I would be a massive upgrade from Grizz.
January 8th, 2026 at 11:06 am
Can McDaniels coach Special Teams?
January 8th, 2026 at 11:07 am
When does the DC get fired?
How did ST coach not get it yet. 😂🤦🏻♂️
January 8th, 2026 at 11:07 am
If he does well he could replace Bowles when he retires or is fired midseason
January 8th, 2026 at 11:07 am
Joe doesn’t care today about McDaniel’s shortcomings as a head coach.
What Joe should care about is Bowles short cummings as our HC.
Every article should be a scathing rebuke of what the Glazers are now trying to sell to a battered fan base.
McDaniel is too smart to come and be the next sacrificial lamb under the Bowles guillotine.
We would need 35+ per game to cover for Bowles Swiss cheese pass defense.
Not gonna happen captain. No soup for you! Next!
36-36
January 8th, 2026 at 11:08 am
Trying to figure out how they fired offensive coordinator and QB coach yet the special teams coach and Bowles are still employed. Make it make sense
January 8th, 2026 at 11:10 am
Billy Bucco Says
“Please not another first time play caller.”
He was OC and playcaller for the 49ers before the Dolphins.
January 8th, 2026 at 11:11 am
would love to have him
GO BUCS!!!
January 8th, 2026 at 11:11 am
I dont understand the brainpower…
if an established play caller sees Tampa Bay with Bowles as a lame duck coach, they’re going to want it even more knowing the Glazers have promoted 2 coordinators to head coach in the last decade or so.
Koetter
Bowles
Unlike Cohen or Canales, they’ve never had HC duties so teams want to give them a shot. GMs dont really want to give a shot to has been coaches who get fired. So good chance if it does work out, and WE ALL WANT IT TO WORK OUT RIGHT??? then no one will come calling for said OC.
Breathe, I said Breathe boy
January 8th, 2026 at 11:11 am
That was my point!
January 8th, 2026 at 11:12 am
McDaniel coaching under Bowles is delusional. Why would he lower himself to coach for a guy he beat less than a month ago?
January 8th, 2026 at 11:12 am
Zac Robinson. The McVay offense is far more dynamic than the Shanihan system. Robinson was bakers QB coach and was first choice before he went to crows and Bucs turned to Coen.
January 8th, 2026 at 11:14 am
FortMyersDave Says
“Why would McDaniel take the Bucs’ job with Bowles basically going into 2026 on the hot seat? Of course I guess if he could somehow get Coen-like numbers put up and then Bowles’ D fails again as expected he could be in line to be the next HC…”
The Glazers are well known for rewarding productional success. If Bowles gets fired next year, and McDaniel has done a good job, he’d be paid to stay.
On the other hand, if the team does very well, a one year break from being HC may not be enough for McDaniel, and he might want to stay.
January 8th, 2026 at 11:16 am
FormerBucFan Says
“How can the bucs fire Grizzsrd but give Bowles a pass. Makes zero sense. And the Joes acting like all is well. Laughable”
What do you expect them to do? Fire the Glazers?
You act as if what’s done isn’t already done. It’s not changing for another year, so suck in your gut and power through it.
January 8th, 2026 at 11:16 am
Him and baker would be vape buddies
January 8th, 2026 at 11:17 am
Mike Mc’s should coach the Raiders. Perfect for both parties.
January 8th, 2026 at 11:17 am
Potential Options
Offensive Coordinator(s)
– Nathan Scheelhaase — Rams
– Mike McDaniel — Dolphins
Defensive Coordinator(s)
– Karl Scott — Seahawks
– Dennard Wilson — Titans
Special Teams
– John Fassel — Titans
January 8th, 2026 at 11:18 am
Who in their right mind would take a job with IBS who is a lame duck HC going into the 2026 season?… McDaniels (have HC experience) would quickly see IBS ineptitude and quickly do things his way ignoring IBS…..
The Bucs are NOT an attractive team with IBS running the team into the ground!
January 8th, 2026 at 11:19 am
Yes to hiring McDaniels as our OC !!!
Grizzard based his offense off McDaniels philosophy since he learned under him but McDaniels is a hell of a good playcaller!!!
It would be an easy transition for Baker as well…
January 8th, 2026 at 11:21 am
I can’t wait to see how their season ticket renewal will go the Glazers will feel the pain there for being as ignorant as they are proving to be
January 8th, 2026 at 11:21 am
Don’t take the bait. The Dolphins system did not work with Grizzard. . Your best OC us Alex Van Pelt currently working for Mcvey at Rams but was Bakers non play calling OC at Browns.
January 8th, 2026 at 11:23 am
He got Tua to the pro bowl. (Need I say more) no one is going to offer him a HC gig , so this is perfect ,, same with Gannon as DC,,, Bowles as CEO
January 8th, 2026 at 11:24 am
If he’s going to be an OC, it’s going to be in San Francisco with his BFF Kyle.
Next candidate please.
January 8th, 2026 at 11:24 am
Fire Thomas McGaughey.
January 8th, 2026 at 11:24 am
Well that’s the end of that, baker can’t throw deep, he’s hurt……
January 8th, 2026 at 11:36 am
Love to see it but money will be a factor for sure. Do not know how much the Glazers are willing to pay.
January 8th, 2026 at 11:36 am
Mhystc Says:
DC:
Brain Flores ” hes a FA ”
—
No way, he’s getting a head coaching gig *somewhere* this time around.
January 8th, 2026 at 11:39 am
With such a dysfunctional organization as Miami, it’s a wonder McDaniel was able to win any games at all.
I would love him as OC here, and would prefer him be HC with Licht picking his DC.
Hiring him as an OC, and as an easy replacement for lying Todd Bowles, might make me watch next season.
January 8th, 2026 at 11:41 am
Im more worried about a defensive coordinator. Someone who understands the words “PASS RUSH”.
January 8th, 2026 at 11:43 am
Blank check. Genius.
January 8th, 2026 at 11:44 am
Also, why the F would any big name come here? What happens if Todd gets fired next season?
Going to be a really hard sell.
Im sure the cheap ass Glazers realize this.
January 8th, 2026 at 11:45 am
This would instantly upgrade our offense! But like some have posted already are the Glazers going to pay up bc one thing is for sure he will be in demand. You can question his Head Coaching ability but you can’t question his offense. We saw it first hand.
January 8th, 2026 at 11:45 am
If Blowles is staying then a legit OC is a must!!! I dont care if he costs more than TB.
January 8th, 2026 at 11:46 am
I would be stunned if anyone of any value signs on with a HC who most likely will be one (more) and done.
January 8th, 2026 at 11:49 am
Funny how bad the D was with a lot less injuries than Offense, but OC is first to go. Guessing he’s not one of Todd’s buddy’s or former teammates.
Thanks for trying Grizz! They should have let you go with Liam last year.
If Special Teams coach isn’t gone by end of the day you know 100% this was red meat firing to pacify rabid fans. What did you expect from a first time OC / play caller? Todd’s had years to get the defense right . Has that happened?
January 8th, 2026 at 11:50 am
Why would anyone come here that’s any good knowing it’s for one year
January 8th, 2026 at 11:52 am
He would be the best coach in the building!
Not an endorsement, just the fact!
January 8th, 2026 at 11:52 am
What about Lefty?
January 8th, 2026 at 11:54 am
The sheet show is a MASSIVE distraction and will repel any decent talent on field and coaching from seriously considering signing a contract with the disorganization!
🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮
January 8th, 2026 at 12:01 pm
Freddy PA Moxie Says:
Fire Thomas McGaughey.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
I’m guessing this one was automatic during the exit interview.
Tom probably walked into the interview and said, “I’m fired, right?” And meeting ajourned.
January 8th, 2026 at 12:01 pm
Easy, bring him as OC, promising Head Coach role next year. The same that should have been done with Cohen
January 8th, 2026 at 12:10 pm
Glazers …. Go get him
January 8th, 2026 at 12:21 pm
Loving it! Bring him here.
Unfortunately, he may be offered a head coach position.
January 8th, 2026 at 12:23 pm
Kyle Shanahan’s real Wizard was his Daddy. Why not give Mike a call?
January 8th, 2026 at 12:30 pm
Mike Shanahan? Maybe we could dig up Vince Lombardi?
January 8th, 2026 at 12:33 pm
Orange… youre right. Robinson could be a darkhorse…
January 8th, 2026 at 12:49 pm
He does embrace the culture of the city he’s in. Was a tech nerd in San Fran. A south Florida douche canoe, and he can certainly acclimate himself to the swashbuckling culture of the Tampa Bay Area. He may need to go to rehab first and detox himself though.
January 8th, 2026 at 1:09 pm
I want our OC to be someone with the credibility to take over as HC if needed. Doubtful Bowles does much of anything to his underperforming defensive staff, we’ll need someone to take the reins when Bowles is finally done after next year. If Bowles underperforms again as HC, he’s done. If the offense shines and we’re ready to sign Baker to another contract, I think Bowles is done as well in that scenario. I don’t see much change coming from Bowles….he was mediocre in NY, mediocre with Brady, same with mayfield. Only season we shined was due to Coen. Bucs won’t screw up with that decision twice.
January 8th, 2026 at 1:10 pm
If he is available as an OC I’d be all over McDaniel. He’s prob going to see about HC jobs first
January 8th, 2026 at 1:15 pm
I hear all these people wondering how this will effect season ticket sales, and as an owner of 6, we have been paying for 2026 season since August and have season almost paid off.
You have to commit in July before the season starts if you want to renew for the following season. So basically you’re committed or unloading em yourself.
January 8th, 2026 at 1:33 pm
This OC position is not a lame duck. Bowles is likely to stink up the joint next season. Any OC that comes in and puts out a good offense is going to get an HC opportunity the year after. Either with the Bucs or with another team
January 8th, 2026 at 2:00 pm
the thinking that no good offensive coordinator would come to work for a lane duck coach confuses me. bowles defense is going to suck again there isnt a better way to be promoted to a head coach then come on as a offensive coordinator
January 8th, 2026 at 2:46 pm
Bring him ASAP. As a matter fact don’t let him leave the state of Florida. He is only 3 hours away. Should be in the building by this evening or by in the morning for the OC opening.
January 8th, 2026 at 2:52 pm
I still want gruden as the ocord
January 8th, 2026 at 3:30 pm
Won’t come here, Bowles would be that 250lb ball and chain shackling him down.
January 8th, 2026 at 3:34 pm
McDaniel’s and Bowles are like Norv Turner. Coaches who rose above their level of competence.
January 8th, 2026 at 4:28 pm
Definitely a move that could pay off for the Bucs if the OC/QB styles mesh. Seems like alot of teams do well with hiring coordinators who choked as first time HC’s and, after getting fired, return to the coordinator roles that they were hugely successful in. Hopefully the Glazers give Licht the green light to at least get McDaniel in for an OC interview with haste.
January 8th, 2026 at 5:21 pm
McDaniels is definitely going to seek one of the head coaching gigs but if he doesn’t find work I can see him here…but the bucs must be aggressive bring in someone who knows how to use the tools in the box alot of guy regressed in gizzards lil stunt he pulled last year.
January 8th, 2026 at 6:48 pm
No!!!!
January 8th, 2026 at 7:42 pm
He’ll have to get in line behind other teams, who might even offer him a head coaching possibility. At least the Bucs can offer him all of the benefits of staying in the Sunshine State!
January 8th, 2026 at 9:16 pm
Hire him at head coach. He’s a funny dude and I’d enjoy his press conferences.
January 8th, 2026 at 9:20 pm
Similar to Coen situation … Dont wanna lose out on McDaniel if it means Makimg him HC
January 8th, 2026 at 9:22 pm
The whole situation is ridiculous but mostly sad. There are endless opportunities to get a great coach. I do think McDaniels would be a great OC. Now if we could just get another great DC to do play calling and take it out of Bowles hands.
January 8th, 2026 at 9:23 pm
The Coen scheme was exceptional – they should just focus on finding someone that runs it, not bring in yet another new system that won’t be as good and take a long time to implement.
January 8th, 2026 at 11:30 pm
Mike McD would be the absolute perfect hire to bring new positive energy to the Bucs Offense and add real swag to Bucs press conferences….He runs a very similar scheme to Coen with links off the Shanahan tree of HC’s.
(Shanahan to McVay to Coen via LAR vs Shanahan to McDaniels via SF)
So, we can basically forget about that happening, it makes too much sense…That is, unless there was a “next HC in waiting” clause added to a contract offer.
The big question for me is…Can anyone imagine McD wanting to work for a lamb duck HC that just scapegoated / decimated / sacrificed his entire coaching staff to save his own job???
January 8th, 2026 at 11:34 pm
Go get Carson Bect!!