Lions' latest OC interview is an absolute home run

Dan Campbell is pulling out all the stops to find the Detroit Lions' next offensive coordinator after the firing of John Morton.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Lions "have reached out to former #Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel about their vacant offensive coordinator position, sources say."

Rapoport further adds his perspective, saying, "Coach Dan Campbell took over play-calling this past season and recently fired OC John Morton. If anyone can fill the shoes of former OC Ben Johnson, it's McDaniel."

Hours before Rapoport's report, the Dolphins fired McDaniel after four seasons with the team. It had initially looked as though McDaniel would stay in Miami for a fifth season, but it's possible that the Baltimore Ravens' firing of John Harbaugh changed the calculus of their situation.

It's unclear whether McDaniel will accept the offer for an interview or even be willing to take on an OC role. McDaniel is expected to be one of the top names in the head coaching market. McDaniel also has a close relationship with Washington Commanders' head coach Dan Quinn, who he said helped him in his sobriety fight during their time in Atlanta. The Commanders are also seeking out an OC, and could be McDaniel's preference for an OC role if he goes that route.

McDaniel is the second name attached to the Lions' OC search. The Lions have already requested an interview with former quarterback and current Commanders assistant QB coach David Blough.

McDaniel is one of the top offensive minds in the league

McDaniel leaves Miami with a 35-33 record as a head coach. In his first two seasons, McDaniel's Dolphins ranked in the top ten in yards per game, including first in 2023. That season, the Dolphins were second in points scored, first in passing yards, and first in rushing touchdowns.

McDaniel's time with the Dolphins was marred by the lack of playoff success in a difficult AFC. McDaniel went 0-2 in his two playoff appearances. In his latter two seasons, he struggled to find stability at the QB position due to a series of injuries to then-franchise QB Tua Tagovailoa, who is also expected to find a new home next season.

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Prior to being hired by the Dolphins, McDaniel spent five seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, first as their run game coordinator from 2017 to 2020. McDaniel was promoted to OC in 2021, where the 49ers reached the NFC title game in a narrow loss to the Los Angeles Rams, who went on to win Super Bowl LVI.

McDaniel is one of the hottest names in the coaching market. He's also a popular choice among Lions fans, both due to his entertaining personality and his history of running top-tier offenses. If he does become the Lions' OC, it likely won't be for long, as he'll continue to get head coaching looks. Those one or two seasons could be all the Lions need to finally bring Detroit a Super Bowl.

If nothing else, this report shows Campbell is being aggressive in his OC search. He's willing to hunt down big names, even from outside of his usual circle of coaches, which is a very encouraging sign.