The only major con to hiring McDaniel would be the contract the Lions would have to hand the hot-shot coach. The franchise would likely have to make McDaniel the highest-paid coordinator in the league. While that would be a hefty cost to pay for an assistant, it’d be a worthwhile investment.

McDaniel's background as run game coordinator and then offensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers before his time in Miami suggests he could make a good fit in Detroit. The Lions see their greatest success on offense when their running game is working and when they're hitting explosive plays in between those runs.

The Lions are looking for their third offensive coordinator in three seasons. Former OC Ben Johnson left the Lions a little more than a year ago to lead the Chicago Bears and helped them win the NFC North.

McDaniel also has a very long coaching history with a lot of different coaching influences and schemes—including his closest coaching guru: Kyle Shanahan. The 49ers head coach has a scheme that is both more congruent with what the Lions do and much more adaptable.

According to NFL media, the Lions have reached out to former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel for their vacant offensive coordinator position. After John Morton was dismissed earlier this week, the other name that has been linked to the opening has been former NFL quarterback David Blough.