Good News For The Mike McDaniel-To-Bucs Crowd
January 11th, 2026
One less team to worry about.
Joe senses there are a number of Bucs fans hoping for Mike McDaniel to fail.
The former Dolphins shot-caller is rumored to be linked to the Bucs to fill the opening as offensive coordinator. To the best of Joe’s knowledge, McDaniel hasn’t interviewed with the team. Yet.
McDaniel is a mixed bag, in “this Joe’s” mind. Some very good mixed with not-so-good. If you want to blame that on Tua, who is a terrible road quarterback, that’s fine.
Here are McDaniel’s offenses in his four years in South Florida.
Rank Yards per game
2022: 6
2023: 1
2024: 18
2025: 26
Rushing yards per game:
2022: 25
2023: 6
2024: 21
2025: 13
Passing yards per game:
2022: 4
2023: 1
2024: 15
2025: 25
So why is Joe bringing this all up? Well yesterday the Commandos hired David Blough as their offensive coordinator. Some in the NFL had linked McDaniel to the Commandos. So that’s one less threat preventing McDaniel from coming to the Bucs.
If McDaniel can make Tua look good (about half the time) he should do wonders for Baker Mayfield.
And with Mayfield entering a contract year, there are tens of millions of reasons to see what Mayfield can do with a good offensive coordinator. For both Mayfield and the Bucs.
January 11th, 2026 at 8:05 am
Wow, there was a lot of good Quarterback playing last night! I wish our team could have that…. Oh, I forgot he was hurt….LOL!! NO EXTENSION!!!
January 11th, 2026 at 8:10 am
McDaniel……..meh.
January 11th, 2026 at 8:10 am
Book it Bowles will screw this team because he’ll be too insecure to hire any veteran coach he thinks could take his job. He remembers fans wanting to fire him and keep Coen
January 11th, 2026 at 8:11 am
Hell yea go get McDaniel. Great offensive mind and HC experience. Go get him Glazers. Oh wait….Glazers. Never mind.
January 11th, 2026 at 8:19 am
I can’t see his personality meshing with Bowles. We are going to end up with some boring, middle aged coach on his third try. An Alex Van Pelt or something if that nature. Ill yawn, fart, and go back to thinking about baseball.
January 11th, 2026 at 8:21 am
Thank you for this update, Joe.
All in on McDaniel. He did interview with the Lions, so that is worrisome too. Hoping we keep Mike and his family in FL, Tampa Bay!
January 11th, 2026 at 8:22 am
Im wondering if Bowles is actively searching for an OC he doesn’t feel threatens his job. At this point he knows his position is, even right now, in serious jeopardy. To Todd, adding McDaniel could seem “too risky”.
That’s maybe why we’re seeing these interviews with literally the worst possible candidates so far. None of those guys threaten his job.
That’s right, I think Todd could be trying to protect himself more than protecting this football team.
January 11th, 2026 at 8:24 am
Bucs have really been scraping the bottom of the barrel. Mike McDaniel isn’t much better. This is absolutely nothing to get excited about.
January 11th, 2026 at 8:25 am
Let’s hope that Bowles doesn’t have any say so over who the OC and DC are.
January 11th, 2026 at 8:28 am
All in on this as well. The guys not on board with this are just chronic complainers just looking to have a negative opinion
January 11th, 2026 at 8:28 am
Heavy should get out and get some exercise and eat more salad. LOL!!!!!!
January 11th, 2026 at 8:29 am
His 2023 offense was balanced and dominant. McDaniel sans HC duties is a win. He’ll flourish again by focusing on offense alone. This is the 1A choice. No more trying to catch lightning in a bottle with unproven play callers. And then go find another proven DC who will install his own system. If Bowles ends up staying, it has to be as solely as a figurehead.
January 11th, 2026 at 8:29 am
Give TB the protection he need! Assure him is contract is safe for its duration but McDaniels will be hired as assistant HC in charge of the offense with TB keeping HC title with defensive responsibilities! If he rejects that offer, Give him a separation package and show him the front door!
January 11th, 2026 at 8:31 am
Bojim, I will after I get done with your girl…..LMAO, she will tell you why they call me HeavyE, and it’s not because of my weight! Wink, Wink!!! LMAO
January 11th, 2026 at 8:36 am
Glazers are not paying top dollar for this position. And a top candidate won’t come work for this clown who will be canned next year. We can dream though. I expect us to hire a submissive no name who is uninspiring. Similar to Turd. Hope springs eternal however….
January 11th, 2026 at 8:37 am
I have never wanted my Bucs to have a bad season but that’s the only way to get rid of Bowels, so I want a bad OC, no way he survives a 4-13 season right!?
January 11th, 2026 at 8:37 am
It’s not the OCs fault when the QB is missing throws. Could be said for McDaniel and Grizzard. During that tough stretch I remember there were a lot of missed throws and also a lot of drops.
January 11th, 2026 at 8:43 am
I am not a Todd Bowles fan; I think he’s an average-to-below-average HC. That being said, there are so many HC job openings right now that I’m certain there will be more misses than hits in this hiring cycle. And Sean McDermott could get canned if the Bills flame out. For every Ben Johnson there is a Josh McDaniel and a Matt Eberflus. An actual experienced OC is probably going to be the best we do for next season. No way is Bowles going to turn over the defense to a new DC.
January 11th, 2026 at 8:43 am
Why is the floor wet Todd! I don’t know but this would make sense. Todd has plans to retire soon and McDaniels could simply take over.
January 11th, 2026 at 8:44 am
McDaniel signed an extension thru ’28, so he’ll be double dipping regardless of where he goes. When he had Tyreek and a healthy Tua the Fins had the best offense in the league, I’d be totally happy with him
January 11th, 2026 at 8:46 am
“Wouldn’t pay a single Buc to see this squad Says:
January 11th, 2026 at 8:36 am
Glazers are not paying top dollar for this position…. I expect us to hire a submissive no name who is uninspiring.”
Bingo.
January 11th, 2026 at 8:49 am
AMI_Chris – you are so right about the coach openings. So many, and probably more to come.
If the Bills lose today, McDermott should be fired. He has been there since 2017, no SB. However, I am rooting for them to win today.
Guessing that McDaniel will get a coaching job. If not, hoping, an interview for OC would happen with the Bucs. And possibly hiring him. We need his energetic vibe!
January 11th, 2026 at 8:50 am
The OC is now on Licht, not Bowles.
January 11th, 2026 at 8:52 am
Would love McDaniels at OC. Morris at Assistant DC who can be the DB coach and be the defacto DC for Bowles with the possibility of taking over play calling.
Falcons Las defense last 2 years was great and with some pass rushers drafted were among league leaders.
January 11th, 2026 at 8:55 am
HeavyE
That’s the best you’ve got?
Sexual threats and fake bravado just tell everyone you’re insecure and desperate for attention.
Do better — or don’t post at all.
January 11th, 2026 at 9:00 am
I wonder if Chucky is gonna ask for an interview, that would be a hoot
January 11th, 2026 at 9:04 am
If McDaniels can make a Tua look good? Joe, Tua was benched. This site is trying to sell ice to Eskimos.
January 11th, 2026 at 9:06 am
So you made me go look up Scoring per Game, which then took me to Tua’s stats:
Year
2020 – Tuas TD:INT – 11:5 – 87.1
2021 – & Q rating. – 16:10 – 90.1
2022 – #11 at 23.8 – 25:8 – 105.5
2023 – #3 at 27.9 – 29:14 – 101.1
2024 – #22 at 20.3 – 19:7 – 101.4
2025 – #25 at 20.5 – 20:15 – 88.5
January 11th, 2026 at 9:07 am
DaveBucsFan Says:
January 11th, 2026 at 8:43 am
Why is the floor wet Todd!
———-
I don’t know Margo. 😂
Can we trust Licht after hearing the preseason praises of SVD and Braswell? Can we trust Bowles after hearing about bored players and “there is nothing more us coaches can do”?
‘26 dumpster fire from my perch. Change my mind Bucs.
January 11th, 2026 at 9:11 am
I was told the best and the brightest offensive minds would move heaven and earth to work with the Bucs star QB. Is that narrative still going around or is it because of Bowles and injuries they’re shying away from interviews?
Its still early though but sober, non-emotional fans know the best thing about the offense is Mike Evans because he is consistently good.
I’m sure being a MVP candidate for 2 months will attract an offensive savant. Fingers crossed.
January 11th, 2026 at 9:17 am
LaFleur could be an option soon, possibly the former HC for the browns as well if they don’t get hired as HCs. Monken is a solid option as well. I want someone with the credibility to take over once Bowles is sent packing. Make no mistake that’s what will happen, particularly if the offense gets back on track and the team doesn’t advance in the playoffs. The Bucs are looking to invest a lot in Mayfield and they won’t allow another OC like Coen to leave with Baker being paid big bucks. They’ll can Bowles, keep the assistants and avoid an entire rebuild scenario.
January 11th, 2026 at 9:18 am
McDaniel would be a quality option at for OC. The problem in Miami was moreso the Dolphins toxic ownership combined with the untimely injuries & poor QB play.
Have people forgotten about his days as a prolific OC in SF?
January 11th, 2026 at 9:18 am
I would give McDaniel a shot. i think he is a good play caller from Fins games I have watched over the past few years. He certainly manages the clock better than Bowles. Think he is far better than the alternatives.
January 11th, 2026 at 9:19 am
My previous post was a malfunction. So you made me go look up Scoring per Game (the more important stat to me), which then took me to Tua’s stats, including his stats before McDaniel (Scoring stats for McD are only including the years he was with the Dolphins, obviously)
Year – ORank/Score – TD:INT – QBR
2020 – – 11:5 – 87.1
2021 – – 16:10 – 90.1
2022 – #11 at 23.8 – 25:8 – 105.5
2023 – #3 at 27.9 – 29:14 – 101.1
2024 – #22 at 20.3 – 19:7 – 101.4
2025 – #25 at 20.5 – 20:15 – 88.5
I loved the idea of McD becoming our OC, until you rained on my parade with his scoring stats (but of course a very relevant stat to look at). Definitely not that pretty. But top 11 in the NFL in 2022 and 2023 is pretty good.
What did impress me was comparing Tuas’ stats both before McD and during. Nice jump. I agree, Tua is not all that, and Baker is better. Baker proved that last year and earlier this year. Tua going from a low of 87.1 to 101.5 and over for 3 years is impressive.
So McD is back on my list if he can do that for Baker
January 11th, 2026 at 9:21 am
Bucs are active interviewing OCs, but what about the DC? Bowles is the definition of insanity, if he does not get a DC.
January 11th, 2026 at 9:21 am
The Bucs need a legit OC and should consider highering an OC as HC. Baker wont take much more bs from this team losing coordinators every year and being mediocre. Just as much as we talk about Baker needing to show he deserves an extension, Bucs gotta be careful too because he may not want to return.
January 11th, 2026 at 9:24 am
To me it seems obvious what a few have already said on here. Bowles knows he’s about to be done and doesn’t want to bring in someone like Coen knowing they will can him and not let another walk away. These guys that have interviewed are like a joke. Not one of them will do anything to move the needle in any way shape or form. David Shaw? Are you serious? Some dude from Arizona? And so on. Come on Glazers and Licht for that matter. Do better! Your fan deserve it!
January 11th, 2026 at 9:24 am
“McDaniel……..meh.”
——————
Love posts like this just criticizing but offering NO input to alternatives. I know, you want who, Gruden? Maybe Belicheat? Lame
January 11th, 2026 at 9:24 am
Here is the problem. Both Lions and Bucs have talent on the offensive side of things. Obviously Detroit has more. Both head coaches have a shown a penchant for intervening the game plan and play calling. Tampa is a much better place to live than Detroit especially for someone like MM. But, who would you rather be your boss, Dan or Todd? I think we all know the answer to that question.
January 11th, 2026 at 9:24 am
Both Rams-Panthers and Packers-Bars games yesterday had me realizing how much fun watching teams that played their games with heart. We are saddled here in Tampa with a team of lazy and unconditioned players partially because their head coach is a bystander on game day.
If Bowles stays I personally won’t miss watching the team. Football is an entertaining game to watch because anything can happen as we saw yesterday.
It is an exciting and entertaining sport but the way Bowles teams play there is no fun watching these guys. There was no enjoyment watching the Bucs the last 8 games. I blame Bowles and the loafers he can’t get to play lights out.
Next season if he is still here will be watching other teams and not watch a team that plays to keep it close and can’t put an enjoyable product out there for fans to appreciate and cheer for. Too much disfunction. Too many excuses for looking unprepared
January 11th, 2026 at 9:26 am
Someone needs to explain this mindset to me:
Todd’s plan is to thread the needle and get an OC that is JUST good enough to get them in the playoffs so he can save his job, but JUST lousy enough that the Bucs won’t want to replace him with this JUST good enough OC.
In my opinion it was time for him to be replaced. But this thinking borders on idiocy.
January 11th, 2026 at 9:30 am
LMAO…..
January 11th, 2026 at 9:48 am
I’m OK with McDaniels, he uses lots of motion and likes to spread the ball around. He likes really fast backs and receivers – not a strength of the current roster. He likes to mix in runs, so I think Bowles will be good with him. He’ll be expensive and despite Joe’s claims to the contrary, the Glazers seem cheap.
I still would prefer someone from the McVay tree, like Nate Scheelhaase. The offensive scheme would be similar to Coen’s and easier to to pick up.
January 11th, 2026 at 10:01 am
McDaniel should be a good OC if he end up in Tampa. However, is he a good fit at this time and I’ve been hearing he’s to soft on his players. That could be BS but where there’s smoke there’s usually fire
January 11th, 2026 at 10:07 am
Bozo The Clown would be an upgrade right about now.
January 11th, 2026 at 10:12 am
Popmike66 – I think he made the decision to bench Tua. So he isn’t too soft. He also helped him too. Maybe he has a good balance.
January 11th, 2026 at 10:14 am
@OldSchool1976
Is Todd the answer?🤣 Only problem with Campbell is he gambles too much & look at where all of that gambling has gotten him so far. Nowhere. There’s nothing wrong with punting the ball or kicking the FG if you have to. Now if you definitely have to go for it on 4th down then yeah but that’s his problem.
January 11th, 2026 at 10:17 am
The bucs should target an OC that can be a good evaluater of talent as it would not surprise me if the bucs move on from Bowles after the 2026 season and the HC position will need to be desirable for the right coach in 2027. I would expect the bucs to stay you g and develop talent one more year.
January 11th, 2026 at 10:17 am
Doesn’t matter, lost season coming
January 11th, 2026 at 10:19 am
2026 is RINSE AND REPEAT. SMH
January 11th, 2026 at 10:21 am
” I look good all by myself ” Let the qb do what he does! Lieing Liam drew the plays up and Mayfield executed very well. But this season Bowles Ball shined, and it cost a lot of coaches their jobs. One or two of them may never coach in the NFL again because of him. How the Glazers couldn’t see this when evaluating is beyond comprehension. If the next OC doesn’t fall in to the Bowles Ball trap, Mayfield won’t need help looking good.
January 11th, 2026 at 10:29 am
Reading comments in these articles is always sad. McDaniels, one of the best OCs in the NFL, is not good enough, but they want a guy who hasnt won a playoff game in like 25 years (Gruden). Male it make sense!!
January 11th, 2026 at 10:47 am
This would be a great hire. My fear is we don’t even interview him. Bowles is probably salivating over some quality control coach that just lost his job with the Raiders.
January 11th, 2026 at 10:47 am
As long as Bowles is the coach, it doesn’t matter. No purchases of merch this year.
January 11th, 2026 at 10:54 am
Part of me think Todd deserves him. Part of me would love to see these two scratch the chalk board. However, I’d hate the Glazers to make McDaniels head coach when Todd very predictably goes 8-9 next year.
January 11th, 2026 at 11:03 am
Watching Ben Johnson in the locker room with his players and how much passion he brings and how hard his players play and just how much fun they’re having is just such a reminder of how bad Bowles is as a HC. No passion from Bowles which translates to his players.
As for any thinking Matt Lefalur would come here to be the OC under Todd Bowles is totally laughable. First of, if the Packers were dumb enough to fire him, he would immediately be the top HC candidate available.
Keeping Bowles over Coen was the first mistake. Now, Keeping Bowles when coaches like Harbaugh, Stefanski and many other upgrades are out there is just depressing.
January 11th, 2026 at 11:10 am
Rumors wait Rumors that he linked to the gig🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Did you say rumors, where’s Shefty. Adam you say what ?
January 11th, 2026 at 11:16 am
I like this part, “ He hasn’t interviewed yet” well what are they waiting on?🤭
Detroit put it out there.🎶Look at all these rumors so rounding me everyday🎶
January 11th, 2026 at 11:34 am
HeavyE Says:
January 11th, 2026 at 8:05 am
Wow, there was a lot of good Quarterback playing last night! I wish our team could have that…. Oh, I forgot he was hurt….LOL!! NO EXTENSION!!!]
======================================
Who are you kiddding HeayE? Stafford and Young each threw INT’s yeasterday’s game. Isn’t that when you and Munch wet the bed?
January 11th, 2026 at 11:35 am
NO credible OC is agreeing to work under IBS the lame duck HC of 2026!
January 11th, 2026 at 11:51 am
First off to half of you in here it’s McDaniel not McDaniels or McDanials Different guy both offensive minds and OCs, that said , if we are stuck w Bowles then Mike McDaniel would be one of the best options .
However ,,
Is there a wild card out there,, is Bowles jobs truly safe if Packers coach gets fired ???? That’s a rethink game changer
January 11th, 2026 at 12:36 pm
HeavyE Says:
January 11th, 2026 at 8:05 am
Wow, there was a lot of good Quarterback playing last night! I wish our team could have that…. Oh, I forgot he was hurt….LOL!! NO EXTENSION!!!
—
I know Williams threw two interceptions. Good QB play for sure.
January 11th, 2026 at 12:39 pm
comment all we can do Bowles is horrible period not a smart guy who the heck gave him the moniker guru? his mommy?
January 11th, 2026 at 12:53 pm
Wow. We all watched Detroit’s hard knocks and liked the guy. David Blough as a NFL OC in his first ever coaching job?! I could work but seems risky. At 30, He should be able to relate and communicate well with the players.
McDanials ‘23 offensive was the most dynamic and innovative I’ve ever seen. The Tua concussion just completely derailed it. He has a bit of an eccentric personality I think he relates well with the players. I don’t think your average Bucs fan would give him much grace.
January 11th, 2026 at 12:58 pm
A good offense is the only thing that will keep this team from tanking next season. They’ve already reported Todd will be the DC next year so you know this defense will suck again. They can bring in Max Crosby but Todd will have him dropping back into coverage. His scheme is too complicated and outdated.
January 11th, 2026 at 1:02 pm
@ Tony
Don’t disagree with your points I’m just boiling down to the men themselves
Do you believe most available OCs would want to work under Todd? Or Dan C?
Do you believe Todd or Dan Campbell are more likely to get their respective teams back in the playoffs next year?
My point is simply the only good reason an OC will come on board here over Detroit is that this is a much better place to live. You would take OC job here in spite of Todd not because of Todd.
January 11th, 2026 at 1:03 pm
@chuckybucs, and they WON, baker will never be able to overcome that, & baker isn’t even the same league of those QB’s Yesterday or today for that matter… stop kidding yourself, those QB’s were throwing Dimes, meanwhile baker throws pennies…..just stop it!!!! Oh, I forgot he was hurt….BS!!!!
January 11th, 2026 at 1:09 pm
Looking at the division and the way teams are being successful. I don’t see the Bucs keeping pace. I’m looking at the other coaches in our division and their young guns Don’t believe the Bucs can keep up and we’ll suffer next season before reality sets in.
January 11th, 2026 at 1:16 pm
Fat Eric? Is that you?😂
January 11th, 2026 at 1:21 pm
wow i was all in on mcdaniel but i hadn’t gotten a look at those numbers…
significant drops for 2024 and 2025…
as if the league figured his schemes out and shut him down…
now i don’t know what to think on him…
those recent numbers are really kind of bad…
leaning towards middle to bottom of the league type stuff…
maybe he’s been exposed
January 11th, 2026 at 1:29 pm
Baker was hurt along with his key weapons and offensive line snd running back.
Was humming right along prior to that.
January 11th, 2026 at 1:32 pm
Bee Says:
January 11th, 2026 at 9:11 am
“I was told the best and the brightest offensive minds would move heaven and earth to work with the Bucs star QB. Is that narrative still going around or is it because of Bowles and injuries they’re shying away from interviews?
Its still early though but sober, non-emotional fans know the best thing about the offense is Mike Evans because he is consistently good.
I’m sure being a MVP candidate for 2 months will attract an offensive savant. Fingers crossed.”
The “brightest offensive minds” are all interviewing for HC positions. The open OC positions will be filled later with those that failed the HC interviews
January 11th, 2026 at 1:34 pm
Boy the Jags offense sure looks like the old Bucs . Give me dink and dunk all day. If it works what’s the problem . We need a coordinator that is more similar to that style. Baker thrived in it …
January 11th, 2026 at 1:40 pm
That jags offense looks faster and more creative, then when coached the Bucs.
January 11th, 2026 at 1:43 pm
He’s my number 1 choice for OC.
January 11th, 2026 at 1:57 pm
“That jags offense looks faster and more creative, then when coached the Bucs.“
Totally different roster make up, and fwiw they’ve picked top 10 in the draft 3 time s in the last 5 years making 9 picks in the first round. 5 of those 9 1st rd picks were offense.
Had a total of 13 total picks in the 2023 draft. They’re young as hell, they better look fast and energetic. A lot more going into their success than just having Liam Coen, and he walked into a hell of a situation. Didn’t have to find a QB, WR, or RB. Just
January 11th, 2026 at 2:03 pm
Josh Allen injury is gonna make this game interesting.
January 11th, 2026 at 2:06 pm
Those are Tua numbers the last 2 years not Mcdaniel’s numbers he system had high numbers early then when Tua fell off his system looked bad
January 11th, 2026 at 2:30 pm
Lost Tyreek and were without Waddle. A lot of people confuse the pass offense as the identity of his offense when it’s really outside some runs which spread the defense thin.
McDaniel also like to push the ball upfield in the pass game, it’d be interesting to see how his influence re-stocks our QB depth IF he were to join up
January 11th, 2026 at 2:33 pm
No way
January 11th, 2026 at 2:36 pm
Can Baker throw the long ball accurately enough in a McDaniels offense? Baker has an amazing arm but he hasn’t thrown the go routes well. Or what he calls a 9 route.
January 11th, 2026 at 2:41 pm
Miami offense was also all about speed. The current Bucs offense doesn’t have the kind of speed required to run his offense either. I like the idea of hiring him but there would be some major changes and I think it would take some time before he could retool the offense enough to make it work.
That leads me to believe that they’re probably going with a McVay protege or someone in his system branch.
January 11th, 2026 at 3:19 pm
“That leads me to believe that they’re probably going with a McVay protege or someone in his system branch.“
It all stems from Mike Shannahan and his run in Washington. McVay, Kyle Shanahan & Mike McDaniel were all coworkers there at one point, and all 3 use outside zone(like Shanahan did with Terrell Davis in Denver) as their bread and butter.
They all use spread elements, unorthodox personnel usage, and misdirection to create space and exploit mismatches.
January 11th, 2026 at 3:31 pm
Doubt we will spend a large amount on an OC. Glazers are CHEAP!! We’ve still got Dollar Tree Todd as our HC to prove my point
January 11th, 2026 at 3:44 pm
Nobody worth their weight in salt are taking the one year deal with the Bucs. We are subject to hiring and promoting an unproven OC.
Not to cut ties with Bowles automatic death nail for the 2026 year and we are burning some very talented years for players like Bucky, Evans, Vea. Should never extended Bowles contract prior to mid year 2025. Poor ownership, poor coaching
January 11th, 2026 at 3:47 pm
Runs a soft offense that will compliment a soft defense. Makes sense.
January 11th, 2026 at 3:54 pm
people funny about not wanting mcdaniels. they forget job he did as oc for 49ers?
January 11th, 2026 at 4:01 pm
“Nobody worth their weight in salt are taking the one year deal with the Bucs. We are subject to hiring and promoting an unproven OC”
This is only true if you’ve got the NFL script for 2026 and know we’ll lose, outside of that is just pessimism disguised as a plausible take.
January 11th, 2026 at 4:06 pm
It’s not true that the Bucs will have to settle for a unproven OC. It could be the fastest way to get a HC job. If Jason or the Glazers told McDaniels (or whoever) that he would be their first choice to get promoted to HC if Todd’s defense doesn’t improve in ‘26. Assuming the brass was impressed by the OC’s work. The Glazers aren’t going to make the same Cohen mistake again.