Mike McDaniel Declines Bills Offer, Focuses on AFC West Future

Emerson Raymont

Published: January 25, 2026 6:18 AM ET

Mike McDaniel, recently parted from his role as head coach of the Miami Dolphins, is poised for an exciting future in the AFC West. His resignation sparked interest from various fan bases, eager to see where this talented offensive strategist would land next.

McDaniel Declines Bills Offer

Initially, McDaniel was considered a candidate for the Buffalo Bills head coaching position. However, reporter Dianna Russini from The Athletic revealed that the two parties never held discussions, as McDaniel opted not to meet with the Bills. This decision highlights his preference for continuing his coaching career in the competitive AFC West.

Potential Landing Spots in the AFC West

McDaniel’s focus appears to be on two specific roles within the AFC West. He is a leading candidate for the head coaching position with the Las Vegas Raiders. If that opportunity does not materialize, he has expressed interest in the offensive coordinator role with the Los Angeles Chargers.

Las Vegas Raiders: Identified McDaniel as a top prospect for head coach.
Los Angeles Chargers: Possible offensive coordinator position if he does not secure a head coach role.

Ongoing Coaching Position Changes

Despite a competitive landscape, McDaniel isn’t the only name in the running for head coaching roles. The Raiders are yet to finalize their selection and have identified numerous candidates. Among them are:

Matt Nagy – Former Chicago Bears head coach and current offensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs.
Jeff Hafley – Recently appointed as McDaniel’s replacement with the Dolphins.
Jesse Minter – Now with the Baltimore Ravens after his own successful stint.

The Raiders’ official site currently lists 14 candidates. However, many have already accepted other positions, indicating a fluid coaching market. As the postseason concludes, the Raiders may delay interviews with active coaches until after the conference championships.

Looking Ahead

Regardless of the outcome, Mike McDaniel’s potential move to the AFC West promises to keep him in the spotlight. Chiefs fans, in particular, can expect to see a lot of him in the coming season, whether in Las Vegas or Los Angeles. His strategic prowess as a coach will undoubtedly impact the league, making any position he assumes one to watch closely.

In summary, while Mike McDaniel has declined the Bills’ coaching offer, his future in the AFC West remains bright. With two promising opportunities ahead, he is set to continue shaping offensive strategies in the NFL.