Mike McDaniel has taken himself out of the running in Cleveland.
The former Miami Dolphins head coach informed the Browns he’s withdrawing from their search ahead of a planned in-person interview on Wednesday, according to an NFL Network report.
Cleveland has already conducted second interviews with defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, former Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken, Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski, Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter and Rams passing-game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase. With McDaniel stepping aside, the Browns’ focus tightens on those candidates as they weigh scheme fit and staff construction.
McDaniel’s calendar remains busy elsewhere. He interviewed with the Los Angeles Chargers on Tuesday for their offensive coordinator role and has additional OC offers on the table, according to reports. He also remains in consideration for head-coaching vacancies with the Baltimore Ravens and Las Vegas Raiders.
The move seems to signify a strategic reset for McDaniel. After a brief but notable tenure as San Francisco’s offensive coordinator before taking the head coach position in Miami in 2022, he achieved back-to-back playoff appearances with the Dolphins. Over four seasons there, he posted a 35-33 record in the regular season and a 0-2 record in the postseason. Now 42, he appears open to leading another offense.
The Chargers’ interest comes after they dismissed Greg Roman following a wild-card loss, creating a high-profile OC opening. Whether McDaniel returns to a coordinator seat or lands one of the remaining head-coaching jobs, his decision narrows Cleveland’s options while keeping his own pathway flexible.
