Even with a deal in place to become the Los Angeles Chargers’ offensive coordinator, Mike McDaniel still has head coaching interviews lined up.
According to The MMQB’s Albert Breer, McDaniel will interview with the Buffalo Bills on Friday as they continue to meet candidates for their vacancy.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport added that the Bills also have an in-person interview scheduled with Washington Commanders run game coordinator Anthony Lynn on Saturday.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Jeff Darlington reported on Tuesday that McDaniel was expected to join Jim Harbaugh’s staff with the Chargers. The news came after he reportedly withdrew from consideration for the Cleveland Browns head coaching job.
Per Schefter, Buffalo has a full slate of interviews this weekend with Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver also scheduled on Saturday and Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski coming in on Sunday.
McDaniel has met with several of the teams looking for a new head coach, including the Baltimore Ravens and Las Vegas Raiders. The Ravens announced on Thursday they hired Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter as John Harbaugh’s replacement.
The Raiders remain an option for McDaniel, but it’s unknown if they will bring him in for a second interview. Minter and Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero are the only candidates thus far who are confirmed to have received a second interview.
Buffalo figures to be an attractive job due to the presence of Josh Allen at quarterback. McDaniel, in particular, would seem to relish the opportunity to coach up a running game led by Allen and James Cook that led the NFL with 159.6 yards per game during the regular season.
The Bills fired McDermott on Monday in the aftermath of a 33-30 overtime loss to the Denver Broncos in the AFC Divisional round. Their seven consecutive seasons with a playoff appearance is the longest active streak in the league, but they have been unable to get to a Super Bowl during this run of success.
McDaniel spent four seasons as head coach of the Miami Dolphins before being fired on Jan. 8. He went 35-33 overall and made the playoffs in each of his first two seasons.
