ESPN and NFL Network had the reports first, stating that a deal was in the works.
Soon after, the Dolphins announced the move.
The hiring of McDaniel, who is multiracial, means the 49ers will receive two third-round compensatory picks under the league program to reward teams for developing minority coaches. The first will come in 2022 and the second in 2023.
McDaniel, 38, finished his first season as the 49ers offensive coordinator after being promoted to the role on January 18, 2021. He served as head coach Kyle Shanahan's run-game coordinator from 2017-20.
McDaniel becomes the third coordinator Shanahan has lost in the past year and second this weekend with former defensive coordinator Robert Saleh leaving last year to become the head coach of the New York Jets and the Chicago Bears announcing the hiring of special teams coordinator Richard Hightower on Sunday.
The 49ers made a coaching splash of their own on Friday, reportedly hiring former Los Angeles Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn to serve as Shanahan's assistant head coach—a role previously held by Jon Embree, who will not return in 2022. Lynn served as the Detroit Lions' offensive coordinator in 2021.
McDaniel, a Yale graduate, got his start in coaching in 2005 as an intern with the Denver Broncos under Kyle Shanahan's father, then-head coach Mike Shanahan. McDaniel worked with the younger Shanahan in various coaching roles with the Houston Texans, Washington Football Team, Cleveland Browns, and Atlanta Falcons.
Shanahan brought McDaniel to Santa Clara upon being named the 49ers' head coach in 2017.
McDaniel was not the 49ers play-caller. That role remained with Shanahan. However, the coordinator played a big part in creating each week's game plan.
"So Mike's always been such a big part of what we do here," Shanahan said last week. "Yeah, he always focuses on the run game. That's his area of expertise, but Mike helps me in all aspects of the offense. ... So Mike's always been good at what he does. He always will be and he deserves to get some of these opportunities people are talking about."
The 49ers will host the Dolphins at Levi's Stadium next season.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers overlook size concerns, add skilled receiver in The Athletic's 2026 NFL mock draft
The San Francisco 49ers could be in the market for a first-round wide receiver when the 2026 NFL Draft arrives. Brandon Aiyuk's future remains uncertain, and many around the league believe the veteran wideout has likely played his final snap for the 49ers—even after signing a... -
3-round mock draft: 49ers use first two picks to bolster offense
The San Francisco 49ers entered the season with several roster concerns, and mounting injuries have only amplified those issues. The defensive line has been hit hard with the losses of Nick Bosa, Mykel Williams, and others, leaving the 49ers thin up front. Meanwhile, the pass... -
49ers bolster interior D-line in new 2026 NFL mock draft
Josh Edwards has released his newest 2026 NFL mock draft for CBS Sports, projecting the San Francisco 49ers to strengthen a major area of need—the interior of their defensive line. Despite significant investments in the position group this year, Edwards has head coach Kyle... -
49ers add YAC threat in new 2026 NFL mock draft
Trevor Sikkema has released his latest 2026 NFL mock draft for Pro Football Focus, projecting the San Francisco 49ers to target another dynamic weapon for quarterback Brock Purdy. After trading away wide receiver Deebo Samuel this past offseason, and with Brandon Aiyuk's future...