After it was reported that Mike McDaniel was set to be the new offensive coordinator of the Los Angeles Chargers, fans could not contain their excitement. In the following days, some couldn't help but notice the radio silence from the Chargers' social media accounts, with no official announcement posted.
As it turns out, the Bolts may have taken their victory lap a little too early.
The Bills are interviewing new Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel for their head coaching job today, per source. McDaniel, of course, spent the last four years in the AFC East as Dolphins head coach.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) January 23, 2026
McDaniel will be Jim Harbaugh’s OC if he doesn’t land an HC job.
Mike McDaniel still interviewing
McDaniel, the former head coach of the Miami Dolphins, has not officially signed with the Chargers yet.
In fact, he is still testing the waters with other organizations for their head coaching positions. Sports Illustrated senior writer, Albert Breer, reported earlier this morning that McDaniel would be interviewing for the head coaching job with the Buffalo Bills, after they shockingly fired Sean McDermott.
Having coached the Dolphins for the last few years, McDaniel is more than familiar with the Bills' personnel, as the two were former rivals.
If offered the job, it would be understandable why McDaniel would be lured to Buffalo. Their quarterback, Josh Allen, was crowned Most Valuable Player just last season. The Bills have been close to title contention for a long time, but have just not been able to move the needle enough to be champions.
The opportunity to lead that team and be the needle mover would be attractive to any head coaching candidate.
ESPN sources: former Colts QB and current St. Michael Catholic High School coach Philip Rivers is interviewing today for the Buffalo Bills head coaching job. pic.twitter.com/RVfUr1swK5
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 23, 2026
However, McDaniel is not the only big name interviewing for the Bills' head coaching vacancy. Chargers' legendary quarterback, Philip Rivers, is also reportedly in the mix for the job.
After a short comeback stint with the Indianapolis Colts, Rivers will go back to coaching, but this time it could be with an NFL franchise rather than a high school football team.
If the Chargers miss out on McDaniel after being so sure he was coming to Los Angeles, that would be a disaster. The fanbase was exhilarated at the thought of Justin Herbert working with such a gifted play caller, but as it turns out, the celebration may have come too early.
McDaniel canceled his interview for the Cleveland Browns' head coaching job, so Buffalo must have spiked his interest. According to the same reports, if McDaniel doesn't find a head coaching job, he will be the next OC of the LA Chargers.
With how much time has passed since the initial reports, and the new developments received now, it is hard to feel confident that he would come to LA if the Bills offer.