Career Timeline of Mike McDaniel: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Mike McDaniel, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Mike McDaniel is the current head coach of the Miami Dolphins in the NFL. He's a product of the Shanahan coaching tree, with a lengthy career as an NFL assistant coach, starting with the Denver Broncos in 2005. Prior to becoming a head coach, McDaniel held assistant coaching positions with several teams, including the Houston Texans, Washington Redskins, Cleveland Browns, Atlanta Falcons, and San Francisco 49ers. He served as the offensive coordinator for the 49ers in 2021. McDaniel has appeared in two Super Bowls as an assistant coach, one with the Falcons in 2017 and another with the 49ers in 2020.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2005: Joined Denver Broncos as an intern

In 2005, McDaniel began his NFL coaching career as an intern for the Denver Broncos.

2005: Hired by Denver Broncos

In 2005, at age 22, McDaniel was hired as a coaching intern by the Denver Broncos. The team finished with a 13-3 record, defeated the New England Patriots in the Divisional Round, and lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Championship Game.

2006: Hired by the Houston Texans

In 2006, McDaniel was hired by the Houston Texans as an offensive assistant, working with future head coaches Troy Calhoun, Mike Sherman, and Kyle Shanahan.

2009: Hired by the California Redwoods

In 2009, McDaniel was hired by the California Redwoods of the United Football League as a running backs coach.

2011: Hired by the Washington Redskins

In 2011, McDaniel was hired by the Washington Redskins as an offensive assistant, reuniting with Mike Shanahan. He worked alongside Kyle Shanahan, Sean McVay, and Matt LaFleur.

2013: Promoted to Wide Receivers Coach

In 2013, McDaniel was promoted to wide receivers coach for the Washington Redskins.

2014: Hired by the Cleveland Browns

In 2014, McDaniel was hired by the Cleveland Browns as their wide receivers coach.

2015: Hired by the Atlanta Falcons

In 2015, McDaniel was hired by the Atlanta Falcons as an offensive assistant coach.

2016: Dolphins Make Playoff Berth

In 2016, The Miami Dolphins made their first playoff berth since 2016, after McDaniel led the team to a 9-8 record.

2017: Assistant Coach for 49ers

In 2017, McDaniel became an assistant coach for the San Francisco 49ers.

2017: Hired by the San Francisco 49ers

In 2017, McDaniel was hired by the San Francisco 49ers as their run game coordinator.

2019: Super Bowl LIV Appearance

In 2019, McDaniel and the 49ers appeared in Super Bowl LIV, losing to the Kansas City Chiefs 31-20.

2020: Super Bowl LIV Appearance

In 2020, McDaniel appeared in Super Bowl LIV as an assistant coach with the 49ers.

January 18, 2021: Promoted to Offensive Coordinator

On January 18, 2021, McDaniel was promoted to offensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers.

2021: Offensive Coordinator

In 2021, McDaniel held his first offensive coordinator position.

February 6, 2022: Hired as Head Coach of Miami Dolphins

On February 6, 2022, McDaniel was hired as the head coach of the Miami Dolphins.

September 11, 2022: First Victory as Head Coach

On September 11, 2022, McDaniel achieved his first victory as a head coach, leading the Dolphins to a 20-7 win against the New England Patriots. He became the first Dolphins head coach since Nick Saban in 2005 to win his first game.

2023: Historic Victory over Denver Broncos

In 2023, McDaniel led the Dolphins to a historic 70-20 victory over the Denver Broncos, marking the first time a team scored 70 or more points in the Super Bowl era. The team also recorded an NFL-record 726 offensive yards and finished the season with an 11-6 record, later losing to the Kansas City Chiefs in the Wild Card Round.