Michael Lee McDaniel born March 6, 1983 is an American professional football coach currently serving as the head coach of the Miami Dolphins in the National Football League (NFL). A product of the Shanahan coaching tree, McDaniel began his NFL coaching career in 2005 as an intern with the Denver Broncos. Over the years, he held assistant coaching roles with the Houston Texans, Washington Redskins, Cleveland Browns, Atlanta Falcons, and San Francisco 49ers, ultimately becoming an offensive coordinator in 2021. McDaniel has appeared in Super Bowls LI (2017) and LIV (2020) as an assistant coach alongside Kyle Shanahan.
Mike McDaniel Biography 2025
McDaniel spent five seasons with the 49ers, primarily as their run game coordinator, contributing to their second NFC Championship Game appearance in three years. He wrapped up his tenure there as the offensive coordinator before leaving to become the head coach of the Dolphins. Born in Aurora, Colorado, in 1983, McDaniel graduated from Smoky Hill High School in 2001. He played college football as a wide receiver at Yale University, where he earned a degree in history.
WhatsApp Channel Join Button
Mike McDaniel Biography Details
Born
March 6, 1983 (age 41)
Aurora, Colorado, U.S.
Height
5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)
Weight
180 lb (82 kg)
High school
Smoky Hill (Aurora, Colorado)
College
Yale (2001–2004)
Mike McDaniel Early Life
McDaniel was born in Aurora, Colorado, in 1983, and completed his high school education at Smoky Hill High School, graduating in 2001. He went on to play college football as a wide receiver at Yale University, where he earned a degree in history.
Run Game Coordinator (2017-2020), Offensive Coordinator (2021)
Miami Dolphins
Head Coach (2022-present)
Early Life and Playing Career
Category
Information
Birthplace
Aurora, Colorado
Birthdate
March 6, 1983
High School
Smoky Hill High School, Aurora, Colorado
College
Yale University
Degree
History
Position Played
Wide Receiver
Coaching Experience with Denver Broncos
Year
Role
Key Information
2005
Coaching Intern
Worked under head coach Mike Shanahan
2005
Team Success
Broncos finished 13–3, lost in AFC Championship Game
Mike McDaniel with Houston Texans
Role
Duration
Key Information
Offensive Assistant
2006-2008
Worked alongside three future head coaches
Key Coaches
Troy Calhoun, Mike Sherman, Kyle Shanahan
Coaching Career with California Redwoods / Sacramento Mountain Lions
Year
Role
Details
2009-2010
Running Backs Coach
Team moved to Sacramento, became Mountain Lions
Washington Redskins Coaching History
Year
Role
Details
2011-2012
Offensive Assistant
Worked with Mike Shanahan and Kyle Shanahan
2013
Wide Receivers Coach
Promoted to wide receivers coach after Ike Hilliard’s departure
Mike McDaniel with Cleveland Browns
Year
Role
Details
2014
Wide Receivers Coach
Joined Browns under Mike Pettine
Atlanta Falcons Coaching Career
Year
Role
Key Information
2015-2016
Offensive Assistant
Worked under Dan Quinn
2016
Team Success
Falcons made Super Bowl LI appearance
Mike McDaniel with San Francisco 49ers
Year
Role
Key Achievements
2017-2020
Run Game Coordinator
Helped 49ers reach two NFC Championship Games
2021
Offensive Coordinator
Promoted to Offensive Coordinator after Mike LaFleur left
First Season with Miami Dolphins
Year
Record
Playoffs
Key Achievements
2022
9-8
Lost Wild Card
First Dolphins coach since 2005 to win debut game
Historic Victory
Year
Opponent
Result
Key Statistics
2023
Denver Broncos
70-20 Win
First team to score 70+ points in the Super Bowl era
2023
Offensive Yards
726 yards
NFL record for most offensive yards in a game
Coaching Philosophy
Category
Details
Offensive Strategy
Focus on innovative play designs and run-heavy schemes
Coaching Style
Strong emphasis on team unity and player development
Coaching Tree
Strong ties to the Shanahan coaching system
Influence on Miami Dolphins
Aspect
Details
First Season
Led Dolphins to their first playoff berth since 2016
Offensive Development
Revitalized the Dolphins’ offense, leading to high-scoring games
Mike McDaniel Career Records
Record Type
Details
Regular Season
25-20 (.556)
Postseason
0-2 (.000)
Personal Life of Mike McDaniel
Category
Information
Family
Married to Katie, with one daughter
Heritage
Biracial, with a white mother and black father
Struggles
Overcame alcohol dependency and depression
Mike McDaniel Leadership Impact
Category
Information
Leadership Qualities
Known for his innovative offensive mind and player relations
Impact on Dolphins
Revitalized the franchise’s playoff hopes
Mike McDaniel Super Bowl Appearances
Year
Team
Role
Result
2017
Atlanta Falcons
Offensive Assistant
Lost Super Bowl LI
2020
San Francisco 49ers
Offensive Coordinator
Lost Super Bowl LIV
Future Outlook for Mike McDaniel
Category
Details
Upcoming Goals
Seeking to advance Dolphins deeper into playoffs
Legacy
Aiming to build a lasting and successful tenure in Miami
Mike McDaniel Record at Pro Football Reference
Category
Record
Regular Season
25–20
Postseason
0–2
Career Record
25–22
Mike McDaniel Net Worth
Mike McDaniel net worth is $5 million.
Mike McDaniel Summary
Mike McDaniel has proven himself as an innovative and respected coach in the NFL, taking on a leadership role with the Miami Dolphins after years of valuable experience under various coaching staffs. His influence is already felt in Miami, having led the team to a playoff berth and a historic victory in 2023. With his expertise and vision, McDaniel is poised to continue making a significant impact in the NFL.
