San Francisco 49ers passing-game coordinator Mike LaFleur is headed to the New York Jets to be the offensive coordinator as part of Robert Saleh's staff. Minutes after Saleh's hiring, it was reported that 49ers linebackers coach DeMeco Ryans was expected to replace Saleh as the team's defensive coordinator.
Run-game coordinator Mike McDaniel was also expected to be a hot name for an NFL offensive coordinator job, with his name already being linked to the Miami Dolphins.
McDaniel is likely to receive a promotion this offseason, but it may be with his current team. Unwilling to surrender two of his top offensive assistants, head coach Kyle Shanahan may do what is needed to ensure McDaniel remains with the 49ers. Matt Maiocco of NBS Sports Bay Area reports that the run-game coordinator is "in line" to receive the team's title of offensive coordinator. Maiocco calls McDaniel a "top candidate" for the title.
No, that doesn't mean Shanahan is willing to relinquish play-calling duties. Although, McDaniel will likely take on more responsibilities. He and LaFleur were tasked with much of the in-season game-planning duties.
McDaniel called the plays for the 49ers coaching staff during the second half of the Senior Bowl in 2019. LaFleur called the plays during the first half. That showed that Shanahan has trust in both as play-callers.
McDaniel, 37, had been targeted before by other NFL teams. However, Shanahan was able to deny requests for interviews and would do so if play-calling duties weren't part of a promotion. New league rules prevent Shanahan from blocking his staff's promotions now, so the next logical step to retain McDaniel was for the 49ers to promote him themselves.
McDaniel started his coaching career as an intern with the Denver Broncos. He served various coaching roles with the Houston Texans, Washington, Cleveland Browns, and Atlanta Falcons before joining the 49ers with Shanahan in 2017.
