Early Friday morning, it was reported by Albert Breer that the Buffalo Bills would be meeting with former Dolphins head coach, Mike McDaniel, for their current open HC job. It was a surprise addition as it was reported at the last minute, but it made sense as to why the Bills would atleast have a conversation with him.
McDaniel had agreed to become the OC for the Los Angeles Chargers, but was still in the mix for different HC jobs. Hours later, Adam Schefter reported that the Bills were also interviewing Philip Rivers which was the biggest shock of the entire NFL.
Each time that the Bills have interviewed a candidate, they give an update that a candidate has been interviewed. The Bills reported that they finished their interview with Rivers, but there was nothing for McDaniel. Now we know why.
According to Dianna Russini, McDaniel “pulled out of his scheduled meeting down in Florida with the Bills, and the two sides never met.” Russini also said that McDaniel is still a candidate for the Raiders' HC job, but is still set to join the Chargers if he doesn't land a head coaching job.
Update: Mike McDaniel pulled out of his scheduled meeting down in Florida with the Bills yesterday, I’m told, and the two sides never met.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) January 24, 2026
McDaniel remains in contention for the Raiders’ head coaching job, but if he takes an OC position, it’s still expected to be with the… pic.twitter.com/9vH6eellLa
Bills fans should be happy about McDaniel's decision
McDaniel had four seasons with the Dolphins where he introduced a new kind of offense that seemed unstoppable, until it wasn’t. There’s no doubt that McDaniel is a great offensive mind, but he is not one of the top head coaches out there. The culture down in Miami was put into question under his leadership.
Buffalo needs someone who can help lead the whole team, not just call great offensive plays. Sure, the offense had their ups and downs this season. There is no denying that. At the same time, it was the defense that struggled heavily from start to finish.
The Bills have already interviewed Joe Brady, Brian Daboll, Lou Anarumo, Philip Rivers and Anthony Weaver. With those candidates, they either have the continuity with Josh Allen, have produced solid defensive units, or have the leadership to lead a team in the NFL.
McDaniel withdrawing from his second NFL interview (he also backed out of Cleveland), it’s a move that the Bills and fans don’t need to worry about.