Before Mike McDaniel fielded the opening question at the first in-person news conference of his career in late July, the featherweight-sized rookie offensive coordinator delivered an opening statement, of sorts.
“I’m just excited to be here,” McDaniel said, scanning his audience. “Equally excited for you to truly take in how physically imposing I am.”
Witty. Self-deprecating. Sarcastic. And unexpected coming from a high-ranking NFL coach.
McDaniel, 38, obviously didn’t get the memo that he’s supposed to be imperious and guarded at a podium and he’s remained loyal to offbeat and goofy, qualities that come naturally.
His response in October when it was unclear if quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo could play in an upcoming game with a calf injury?
“Mike McDaniel is just prepared for everything,” he said, “so much so that he’s speaking in the third person.”
Divisional Round
Saturday
Cincinnati at Tennessee,
1:30 p.m. Channel: 5Channel: 13Channel: 46 /1050
49ers at Green Bay, 5:15 p.m. Channel: 2Channel: 40/104.5, 680, 107.7
Sunday
L.A. Rams at Tampa Bay, Noon Channel: 11Channel: 3Channel: 8 /104.5, 680
Buffalo at Kansas City, 3:30 p.m. Channel: 5Channel: 13Channel: 46 /104.5, 680
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His opener after special-teams coordinator Richard Hightower had spent several minutes the previous day explaining in intricate detail the impressive 2020 workout of long snapper Taybor Pepper?
“I wanted to get out in front of this one,” McDaniel said. “First and foremost, I’d like to…
