From Denver Broncos Intern to Creative Genius: Unveiling the NFL's Most Thrilling Offense Engineered by Mike McDaniel
Mike McDaniel's meteoric rise from intern to mastermind behind the Denver Broncos' exciting offense is the stuff of legend Witness the historic 70-point annihilation by the Miami Dolphins, a testament to McDaniel's genius Are they true contenders or just pretenders?
In September, the Miami Dolphins made history by scoring an impressive 70 points in a game, coming within three points of the NFL record. This victory over the Denver Broncos, where Miami head coach Mike McDaniel began his career, also set a franchise record for points and an NFL record for total yards in a game at 726. This made them the highest-scoring team in a single game since Washington in 1966.
Miami's high-flying offense has transformed them into one of the most entertaining teams in the league, making them a favorite for neutral fans. Previously known for their defensive prowess, the addition of McDaniel has sparked a marked improvement in the Fins' offensive performance.
According to Dolphins journalist Joe Schad, the team's offense has been overshadowed by the defense for years. However, since McDaniels took over, they have become creative, fast, dynamic, exciting, and productive. This has instilled fear in opponents for the first time since the days of legendary quarterback Dan Marino.
The Mike McDaniel effect
Often decked out in aviator sunglasses and white sneakers, Coach McDaniel is part-quote machine, part-football geek, part-stand-up comedian and part-offensive guru.
Schad remarked, "Mike McDaniel is a coach unlike any I've ever encountered. His humility, humor, emotional intelligence, and unique perspectives and approaches surpass anyone I've known."
McDaniel, who was born in Aurora, Colorado, started his NFL career as a coaching intern with the Denver Broncos in 2005. He worked under head coach Mike Shanahan and offensive coordinator (OC) Gary Kubiak. He continued to work under Kubiak at the Houston Texans in 2006, where he also assisted OC and quarterbacks coach Troy Calhoun.
McDaniel's media day headshot while with the Houston Texans in 2008.
Getty Images
"You could tell he was immensely interested," Calhoun told CNN. "He had a real, real drive to coach in the National Football League."
Calhoun, the current head coach of the United States Air Force Academy football program, praises McDaniel as an "exceptionally intelligent" person with an "unmatched dedication to hard work."
On November 23, 2023, in Arlington, Texas, USA, iconic singer Dolly Parton took the stage to perform during halftime at AT&T Stadium as the Dallas Cowboys faced off against the Washington Commanders. Photo credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports/Reuters
The Dallas Cowboys dominated the Washington Commanders on Thanksgiving, but it was Dolly Parton's halftime performance that stole the show. Miami coach Calhoun spent his first few seasons learning from more experienced peers, but now studies areas in McDaniels' schemes.
"He said he admires the creativity in his plays, especially the use of motion instead of relying on static sets. After two seasons in Houston, McDaniel spent two seasons with the Sacramento Mountain Lions in the now-defunct United Football League. He then joined the Washington Redskins (now Commanders) and worked with Sean McVay, Matt LeFleur, and Kyle Shanahan."
McDaniels' current role in Miami can be attributed to the "Sean McVay effect," a trend in the NFL where teams started hiring younger, offensive-minded head coaches instead of more experienced, defensive-focused ones. McVay made history as the youngest NFL head coach when he was hired by the Los Angeles Rams at age 30 in 2017.
After working with the wide receivers unit in Washington, McDaniel continued his coaching journey with stops in Cleveland and Atlanta. In 2017, he joined Shanahan in San Francisco as the running game coordinator. Riding the wave of the coaching revolution, he eventually landed the OC position with the 49ers before being hired as the Dolphins' head coach in 2022, despite lacking previous head coaching experience.
McDaniel has a deep well of football knowledge and utilizes everything he has learned to transform Miami into a dominant offensive force. His passion for football is so intense that, as reported by The Athletic, he wrote his senior thesis at Yale on the NFL during the merger era of the 1960s and 70s.
Calhoun laughed, "Sometimes as a coach, you go home at 11 o'clock and come back at six in the morning, and you wonder, 'Oh no, did he spend the night here?'" If his bold play-calling and expansive knowledge have turned heads, McDaniel draws just as much attention off the field.
Dan McDaniel's press conference quotes often go viral, he's a must-watch when he's mic'd up, and he has even inspired people to dress up as him for Halloween, including Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra.
Schad describes McDaniel as the "ultimate new-age coach" and a refreshing change. "McDaniel is intelligent but not boastful," Schad noted. "He values human connections and is unafraid to be open about his feelings and emotions, a quality that sets him apart from most coaches, particularly in football."
Calhoun thinks that McDaniel's personable nature could be advantageous for a franchise.
"Whenever you have someone so genuine and sincere as a person, I believe fans can really connect with that," he stated.
"But more importantly, your ownership, your chain of command, if you will, they appreciate candor and forthright human beings, and he absolutely is."
The most dangerous offense in the league?
When facing the Dolphins, opposing defenses have to choose their battles wisely. The team's versatility can be overwhelming, as they have the ability to attack from all areas of the field. Nate Tice, a former NFL scout and coach who is now a football writer and podcaster, spoke to CNN Sport about the Dolphins' offense, praising their ability to use their players' speed and pre-snap motion to their advantage. He described it as "weaponizing" their strengths.
He also admires their knack for enhancing tried and tested football plays and using them to full advantage, noting that the team is not only quick but also intelligent. Coach Tice explained, "In American football, they say speed kills and anyone can say, Oh yeah, well just get a bunch of fast guys. But what this coaching staff and Mike McDaniel have done is they've taken a lot of staples of the NFL and really used that system to make the players wide open all the time and get to use that speed."
"Even in a regular play, American football has managed to elevate it by adding a touch of sweetness, a splash of excitement, and a few extra ingredients to really captivate everyone," he added.
Tua Tagovailoa, the NFL's only left-handed starting quarterback, spearheads the Dolphins offense.
Rich Storry/Getty Images
The Miami Dolphins rank in the top three in the NFL for a variety of offensive statistics, including rushing touchdowns, total receiving yards, receiving touchdowns, and total points. Their scoring prowess has made them a force to be reckoned with in the 305. McDaniels has established a remarkably efficient run game as his trademark.
Miami is currently third in the NFL for rushing yards at 1,430, even though they are towards the lower end of the league for attempts. Veteran running back Raheem Mostert and rookie DeVon Achane consistently surprise defenses and open up opportunities. "They are physically able to be very aggressive with their offensive line," Calhoun remarked. "But they also manage to disguise their runs with various ball carriers, formations, and motions. It's really intriguing."
In the first half of an NFL football game at Ford Field in Detroit on Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023, Green Bay Packers safety Jonathan Owens (34) celebrates scoring a touchdown with Green Bay Packers cornerback Keisean Nixon (25). (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
Rick Osentoski/AP
Simone Biles celebrates husband Jonathan Owens first NFL touchdown in Green Bay Packers win
The Dolphins are known for their creativity, but they don't experiment just for the sake of it.
"McDaniel has taken traditional run game plays and added a unique twist, such as using a backup running back as a receiver on a play and giving them a handoff while running the route," Tice elaborates.
"This is actually sound. Its not just gimmicky."
If you try and take away their ground offense, the Dolphins are happy to make you pay through the air as well.
In just his fourth year as a quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa has emerged as a strong contender for early-season MVP. He currently ranks in the top three among starting quarterbacks in passing yards, touchdowns, completion percentage, and passer rating. Despite having many options at his disposal, he remains the one in control and leading the team.
"Tice complimented his ability to handle the super powered car and provide thorough feedback, likening it to Formula One skills. Meanwhile, Miami's elite passing game benefits from having some of the fastest receivers in the NFL as targets downfield."
Tyreek Hill, known as the "Cheetah," is dominating the league with the most receiving touchdowns and yards. In a historic accomplishment, he reached over 1,000 yards in just Week 8. Jaylen Waddle is also a dynamic option, while Braxton Berrios and Cedrick Wilson Jr. provide consistent targets on the field.
The Dolphins have recently added Chase Claypool to their roster from the Chicago Bears, and Mostert and Achane are also highly capable of contributing receptions on designed plays and checkdowns when necessary.
Hill is consistently ranked among some of the fastest players in the league.
Sam Navarro/USA Today Network
While the free-scoring offense may dominate the headlines, the defense is also performing well and still has room for growth. According to Schad, "The return of star cornerback Jalen Ramsey should significantly strengthen Miami's defense, giving veteran coordinator Vic Fangio more options in his play calling."
Since his return from a torn meniscus, Ramsey has made three interceptions in his first three games and has allowed a remarkable 0.0 passer rating when targeted, according to Pro Football Focus.
Schad added, "Miami has the potential for a top five to top ten NFL defense. While it hasn't happened yet, improvement is expected as players become more comfortable in Fangio's new scheme."
Contenders or pretenders?
Theres still a lot of football left to be played, but the Dolphins might just have the aura of a championship team about them.
The team currently holds the top spot in the AFC East with a 7-3 record. Their powerful offensive performance has transformed their trajectory from average outsiders to potential Super Bowl contenders, and maybe even champions.
Miami's most recent NFL championship was in 1973, and their last Super Bowl appearance was in 1984, led by league MVP Marino. Since their loss to the 49ers in Super Bowl XX 39 years ago, the Dolphins have only won seven postseason games.
Fins fans are eager for their season to extend a little longer, although their fanbase is not as desperate for playoff success as supporters of teams like the Detroit Lions or the Cleveland Browns.
Mostert, pictured here carrying the ball, has been one of Miami's standout players this season.
Megan Briggs/Getty Images
The Dolphins have come under fire for their inability to secure victories in crucial moments, raising doubts about their aspirations for the Super Bowl. Miami has yet to secure a win against teams with winning records this season, leading to the question: how capable is this team of achieving their goals?
On November 17, 2019, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints drops back to pass during the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. (Photo by Will Vragovic/Getty Images)
Retired NFL quarterback Drew Brees: My right arm is not functional. Tice sees it as a testament to the strong defenses of the teams they've faced, rather than an internal issue. In contrast, Schad believes Miami "has the ability to defeat any opponent."
Schad added that the Dolphins and Tagovailoa must demonstrate their ability to win crucial games in difficult weather conditions on the road. Is this rapid team up for the challenge? Nonetheless, the Dolphins have been consistently defeating their opponents, regardless of the circumstances.
Is McDaniel, still young and inexperienced as a head coach, equipped to cope with the pressure and demands of a full NFL postseason though?
"A resounding yes," said Calhoun.
Time will tell if Miamis thrilling brand of football is sustainable, but you cant help enjoying The Greatest Show on Surf for now.
