Dolphins vs. Commanders will be Mike McDaniel’s return to Washington, a key stop in his career

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Mike McDaniel often refers to his time in Washington as one of the most formative periods of his coaching career. On one coaching staff, there was offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, currently the head coach of the NFC-West leading San Francisco 49ers; tight ends coach Sean McVay, who led the Los Angeles Rams to a Super Bowl victory just two seasons ago; quarterbacks coach Matt LeFleur, now coaching the Green Bay Packers; and McDaniel. “I was so fortunate to have the opportunity to be in that competitive atmosphere of coaches that were trying to all make a name for themselves in one way, shape or form.” McDaniel has made a name for himself rather quickly after taking over in Miami last season, whether for his tendency to go viral for his quick wit and quirky idiosyncrasies, or for the rapid offensive success that he’s ushered in on a Dolphins team that for decades was mostly known for its defense. “And coming here and us collecting and knowing how we both see and attack the defense, movement and shifting made complete sense, because that’s the only way you can sometimes get a true understanding of what they’re trying to do or attack a certain part of their defense.” Washington is now led by coach Ron Rivera, whom McDaniel also has a history with. “He didn’t give me a job,” McDaniel added jokingly, “but I have a lot of respect for him.” Rivera expressed the same level of respect for the Dolphins’ coach.