From the moment that former Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel was relieved of his duties on Jan. 8, his name seemed to be on the lips of every NFL organization seeking to make a splash. From front offices in need of a head coach to those needing a coordinator, McDaniel’s reputation as one of the game’s premier offensive minds had teams drooling from coast to coast. The bevy of weapons possessed by the Los Angeles Chargers and the West Coast climate won the day.

McDaniel was dismissed after missing the playoffs each of the last two seasons, unable to overcome a litany of team injuries. He finished in Miami with a 35-33 regular-season record but remained one of the league’s most creative offensive coaches. Everywhere the Colorado native has gone, increased fantasy outputs followed.

Fantasy lowdown: The Chargers are already set up with a core of veterans on offense, as well as a dynamic mix of young playmakers like wide receivers Ladd McConkey and Tre Harris, franchise running back Omarion Hampton, and breakout tight end Oronde Gadsden. McDaniel is well-known for his ability to draw up plans that separate players from coverage, enabling them to get the ball in space with room to run. Like head coach Jim Harbaugh, he believes it starts at the running back position, and Hampton has the talent to make a huge splash in his second season.

Fantasy managers in redraft leagues will have to challenge early in drafts to get a piece, while the time to buy in dynasty might be a closing window. A case can be made for slight overpays, especially with expendable 2026 draft picks.

Author: Samwise (@BuyAndSellYou)