Mike McDaniel is an American football coach currently serving as the head coach for the Miami Dolphins in the NFL. With a long history as an assistant coach, he's considered part of the Shanahan coaching tree. His NFL career started with the Denver Broncos in 2005, followed by positions with various teams including the Houston Texans, Washington Redskins, Cleveland Browns, Atlanta Falcons, and San Francisco 49ers. McDaniel's experience includes roles as offensive coordinator and appearances in Super Bowl LI and LIV as an assistant coach.
1951: Dolphins Set Offensive Yards Record
The Dolphins, under Mike McDaniel's leadership, set an NFL record with 726 offensive yards against the Broncos in 2023, the most since 1951.
March 6, 1983: Mike McDaniel is Born
Michael Lee McDaniel was born on March 6, 1983. He would go on to have a successful career as an American football coach.
2001: McDaniel Graduates High School
Mike McDaniel graduated from Smoky Hill High School in 2001.
2005: McDaniel Begins NFL Coaching Career
In 2005, Mike McDaniel started his NFL coaching career as an intern for the Denver Broncos under head coach Mike Shanahan.
2005: McDaniel's First Head Coaching Win Since Nick Saban
Mike McDaniel became the first Miami Dolphins head coach since Nick Saban in 2005 to win his first game leading the team.
2006: McDaniel Joins Houston Texans
In 2006, Mike McDaniel joined the Houston Texans as an offensive assistant under head coach Gary Kubiak.
2009: McDaniel Coaches in UFL
In 2009, Mike McDaniel became the running backs coach for the California Redwoods in the United Football League.
2011: McDaniel Returns to Redskins
Mike McDaniel returned to the Washington Redskins in 2011 as an offensive assistant, working under head coach Mike Shanahan.
2013: McDaniel Promoted to Wide Receivers Coach
McDaniel was promoted to wide receivers coach for the Washington Redskins in 2013 following the departure of Ike Hilliard.
2014: McDaniel Joins Cleveland Browns
In 2014, Mike McDaniel was hired by the Cleveland Browns as their wide receivers coach under new head coach Mike Pettine.
2015: McDaniel Joins Atlanta Falcons
Mike McDaniel joined the Atlanta Falcons as an offensive assistant coach under new head coach Dan Quinn in 2015.
2016: McDaniel Achieves Sobriety
Mike McDaniel has been sober since 2016, overcoming struggles with alcohol dependency and depression.
2016: McDaniel Leads Dolphins to Playoffs
Mike McDaniel led the Miami Dolphins to their first playoff berth since 2016, finishing the season with a 9-8 record.
2017: McDaniel Joins San Francisco 49ers
Mike McDaniel was hired by the San Francisco 49ers as their run game coordinator in 2017, working under head coach Kyle Shanahan.
2018: McDaniel Leads Dolphins to Victory Over Bills
Mike McDaniel also helped the Dolphins to their first victory against the Buffalo Bills since the 2018 season.
2019: McDaniel Coaches in Super Bowl LIV
Mike McDaniel participated in Super Bowl LIV as the run game coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers. They lost to the Kansas City Chiefs 31-20.
2020: McDaniel Coaches in Super Bowl LIV
In 2020, Mike McDaniel and the San Francisco 49ers appeared in Super Bowl LIV, where they lost to the Kansas City Chiefs.
January 18, 2021: McDaniel Becomes Offensive Coordinator for 49ers
On January 18, 2021, Mike McDaniel was promoted to offensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers.
2021: McDaniel Promoted to Offensive Coordinator
Mike McDaniel was promoted to offensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers in 2021 after the departure of Mike LaFleur.
February 6, 2022: McDaniel Becomes Head Coach of Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins hired Mike McDaniel as their fourteenth head coach on February 6, 2022.
September 11, 2022: McDaniel Wins First Game as Head Coach
On September 11, 2022, Mike McDaniel won his first game as an NFL head coach, leading the Miami Dolphins to victory against the New England Patriots.
2023: McDaniel's Dolphins Achieve Historic Win
In week 3 of the 2023 season, Mike 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.