The Detroit Lions came into their 2025-26 season like a Lion and, well, left like a lamb. The team closed out their regular season with a 9-8 record and missed the playoffs.
Despite a riveting 19-16 win over NFC North rivals the Chicago Bears during their last game of the season on Sunday, January 4, the Lions are in rebuild mode, and management is looking at the coaching staff.
The first significant move the Detroit Lions made during the offseason was firing offensive coordinator John Morton, who was a first-year offensive coordinator. Midway through the season, Lions head coach Dan Campbell took over offensive play-calling duties, so it wasn’t a surprise when Detroit let him walk this week.
Now, thing are getting interesting. There’s a particular NFL coach that just hit the beach, and the Detroit Lions are being urged to take a look at him.
Detroit Lions Reach Out to Fired Coach: Report
On Thursday, January 8, the Miami Dolphins fired head coach Mike McDaniel. Even though the Dolphins were already looking at other available head coach options while McDaniel was under contract, the news was unexpected, mainly because it happened days after other NFL coach firing.
“After careful evaluation and extensive discussions since the season ended, I have made the decision that our organization is in need of comprehensive change,” Dolphins owner Stephen Ross said in an official statement. He added that, “Mike is an incredibly creative football mind whose passion for the game and his players was evident every day.”
McDaniel struggled during his time in Miami, but he’s known to be a creative, energetic offensive-minded coach. That’s just what the Detroit Lions need, right?
The Lions are reportedly hot on McDaniel’s case. Hours after the firing, NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported that the Detroit Lions have already contacted McDaniel about the offensive coordinator opening.
“The #Lions have reached out to former #Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel about their vacant offensive coordinator position, sources say,” he reported on X, according to his research and inside information. “McDaniel is a top candidate for any open OC job.”
“I would immediately bet on the Lions to win a Super Bowl,” one follower commented. “That’s where he needs to be, to be honest. Amazing offensive minds,” another said.
The Case for Him With the Detroit Lions
Others agree this would be a stellar move. Charles Curtis of For the Win says of McDaniel going to Detroit, “This could be amazing. McDaniel could cure what ails the Lions.”
“He’d be an ideal candidate for the Lions opening, though, as they already have an established offense in place: there’s no question mark at quarterback, running back, or wide receiver to be found,” Candace Pedraza of SideLion Report adds.
So, what does this reporter think? What I like is that he’s the kind of guy who won’t let Campbell take over his play calls. McDaniel is a strong-minded coordinator who will insist on having control, and the Detroit Lions need someone with guts like that. But, anyone who watched McDaniel on HBO’s “Hard Knocks” knows that he has a potty mouth, so let’s tone that down for the kids if he comes to the Motor City.
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