Another head coaching job has opened up after the end of the regular season, with the Miami Dolphins parting ways with HC Mike McDaniel.
The firing of McDaniel came as a surprise, as the Miami front office didn’t immediately move on after Week 18, leaving some to believe that he could remain with the organization for another season.
McDaniel has registered a 35-33 head coaching record in his time in South Beach. The former head coach has made two playoff appearances (his first two years), losing both AFC Wildcard matchups.
With the Dolphins’ decision to find a new HC, there are now 8 head coaching jobs available. Interviews are being requested and conducted; Miami has no time to waste if it wants its crème de la crème.
Chargers Coordinator An Option?
GettyThe Los Angeles Chargers may lose a coordinator
Mike McDaniel is an offensive-minded coach who was brought in to bring out the best in quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. While Tua has shown some glimpses of what he looks like in a good year (including the 2023 season, where he threw for over 4,000 passing yards and 29 touchdown passes), he hasn’t quite panned out to be the player they were hoping for.
As of now, Tua’s fate as the starter in Miami is questionable, alongside his future with the team. This could lead Miami to go with a defensive-minded coordinator as its next option for head coach.
CBS Sports’ Tyler Sullivan names Los Angeles Chargers DC Jesse Minter, who has helped orchestrate one of the better defenses in the NFL this season.
“Jesse Minter’s name hasn’t been mentioned much in the interview request process this week, but that could change after his Chargers play on Wild Card Weekend. Minter has been viewed as an up-and-coming head coaching candidate, and he could be of particular interest to the Dolphins,” Sullivan wrote.
“Minter is coaching under Jim Harbaugh, who has ties to Stephen Ross (Dolphins owner) due to his time at Michigan. Minter was on Harbaugh’s Wolverines staff as his DC from 2022 to 2023 and helped them to their national championship before following Harbaugh to Los Angeles… So it’s possible he could view him as a top candidate, especially if he’s looking for a younger coach.”
The Chargers’ defense has been one of the better in the NFL without any standout names on it.
It is allowing just 285.2 total yards per game this season, the fifth-fewest in the league. The defense has also been able to prevent opposing offenses from scoring, allowing only 20 points per game, inside the top ten fewest points allowed per game.
Hiring a defensive head coach could also give some leeway to the next offensive coordinator of the Dolphins to work one-on-one with whoever the QB is in Miami.
What’s Next If Jesse Minters Departs?
GettyA member of the Chargers coaching staff could receive a promotion
If Jesse Minter were to take the head coaching job in Miami or anywhere else, the Bolts would obviously have to replace him.
Minters, as mentioned earlier, has a history with Jim Harbaugh, following him from Michigan. So, it will be hard for the Harbaugh and the coaching staff to find a trustworthy option.
Los Angeles could promote one of their position coaches to the next defensive coordinator, as they will have the history for the head coach.
The Bolts could promote defensive line coach Mike Elston as their next DC. Elston, like Minter, has a history with Harbaugh as he held the same job with Michigan.
Elston has been able to develop third-year pass rusher Tuli Tuipulotu‘s game, turning him into a Pro Bowler. Tuli has recorded 13 sacks this season, the sixth-most in the league.
If Harbaugh and the front office wanted to go with someone who already understands the defense, an internal hire makes the most sense.
Chargers’ Coordinator Named Candidate For Head Coaching Spot