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It's been a busy offseason already for the NFC East. The New York Giants hired a new head coach, the Washington Commanders needed two new coordinators, the Philadelphia Eagles needed an offensive coordinator, while the Dallas Cowboys are searching for a defensive coordinator.
The Commanders found their offensive coordinator when they promoted assistant quarterbacks coach David Blough only days after parting ways with Kliff Kingsbury.
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As for the Eagles, we do know who will not be their offensive coordinator in 2026: former Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel. That's good news for the rest of the NFC East. While head coach Nick Sirianni and quarterback Jalen Hurts continue to hold the Eagles back, they won't have, arguably, the top offensive mind on the market to help them next season.
On Tuesday, McDaniel, who remains a contender for at least two head coaching jobs, will become the next offensive coordinator of the Los Angeles Chargers. McDaniel has interviewed for multiple head-coaching and offensive-coordinator positions during this cycle, including with the Eagles. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Buccaneers and Eagles made McDaniel their top target, but the chance to return to California and coach Justin Herbert proved to be a better opportunity.
When McDaniel was fired by the Dolphins two weeks ago, Washington fans were excited about the prospect of McDaniel becoming the offensive coordinator of the Commanders. It made sense. McDaniel is close with head coach Dan Quinn, even crediting Quinn with helping turn his life around when McDaniel battled alcoholism a decade ago. McDaniel was also reportedly a fan of quarterback Jayden Daniels. We called McDaniel Washington's "dream hire" for the offensive coordinator role.
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However, only days after Miami fired McDaniel, Quinn promoted Blough. McDaniel had options, and he was intent on exploring those options. Quinn didn't want to lose Blough, so a promotion made sense. While McDaniel to Washington would've been phenomenal for 2026, it was likely a short-term situation as McDaniel will become a head coach again — and soon.
Did the Commanders even speak to McDaniel? Probably, but in an unofficial capacity. Washington didn't need to interview McDaniel; Quinn could just call him. Quinn probably realized very quickly that McDaniel would take his time, and he didn't have time to spare.
At least McDaniel isn't going to Philadelphia.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Mike McDaniel will not be Eagles OC
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