Dolphins coaching search will go on without Brian Daboll

Dolphins coaching candidate Brian Daboll is headed to the New York Giants.

The Dolphins had intended to conduct a second interview with Daboll, but the Bills offensive coordinator was reportedly finalizing a deal with New York on Friday.

Miami has continued interest in 49ers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel and Cowboys offensive coordinator Kellen Moore.

It seems clear Miami's search is headed in an offensive direction after the Dolphins had previously interviewed some defensive candidates.

Losing out on Daboll may or may not end up as a blow as Miami looks to improve its coaching staff after firing Brian Flores. Ironically, Flores was a finalist for the Giants job.

Under Adam Gase and Flores, Miami's total offenses over the last six years have been low on the NFL rankings: 24, 25, 31, 27, 22, 24.

The next Miami coach needs to improve the overall offense as well as third-year quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.

Brian Daboll: 5 Things to Know about the Bills offensive coordinator

Kellen Moore: 5 Things to Know about Cowboys offensive coordinator

Mike McDaniel: 5 Things to Know about 49ers offensive coordinator

McDaniel is coaching in the NFC Championship Game on Sunday and so it makes sense that this would drag into next week if he's still under consideration.

McDaniel is not the offensive play-caller in San Francisco, while Daboll and Moore call plays for their teams. But McDaniel is widely respected as Kyle Shanahan's innovative right-hand man in offensive design.

Daboll is choosing to go to the Giants, where Joe Schoen, former Bills executive, has been hired as general manager.

A former Dolphins offensive coordinator under Tony Sparano, Daboll was also once Tagovailoa's offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Alabama.

One candidate who was under consideration by the Giants, Dolphins, Bears and Broncos removed himself this week. Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn has elected to stay with the Cowboys. Dallas owner Jerry Jones said Friday that Quinn will remain with the Cowboys for "years to come."

Moore, 33, was playing in the NFL as recently as 2017. But he is considered a fast-riser. It doesn't hurt that he would be a good mentor for Tua.

Coincidentally, they are the last two left-handed quarterbacks to start in the NFL.

If the Dolphins were to hire McDaniel or Moore there would be an excellent opportunity to retain some or many of the defensive assistants. Miami's defense, led by coaches Josh Boyer and Gerald Alexander, has been strong the last two years.

If Flores doesn't land another job, that further strengthens the chance to keep some of those defensive coaches.

On Friday, Saints general manager Mickey Loomis spoke highly of defensive coordinator Dennis Allen as a candidate to replace retired coach Sean Payton, but he also emphasized his desire to thoroughly consider candidates from outside the club.

Meanwhile, two of the NFL's coaching vacancies were filled Thursday.

The Broncos hired Packers offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett and the Broncos hired Colts defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus.

Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Dolphins eye Mike McDaniel, Kellen Moore for head coach