New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft is counting on familiar faces to help the team rise from the bottom of the AFC East and return to relevance. After back-to-back 4-13 seasons in 2024, the Patriots parted ways with first-year head coach Jerod Mayo and handed leadership to former Patriots linebacker Mike Vrabel. They also reunited with former offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels.
According to Kraft, bringing back McDaniels was part of Vrabel’s plan. “When we interviewed Mike and asked about his preferred staff, without hesitation, he named Josh McDaniels, believing he’d be a great fit for Drake [Maye],” Kraft told Chad Graff of The Athletic on X. “It was entirely Mike’s decision. Josh was eager to return. Hopefully, we’ll see the benefits of that. He has a solid track record with quarterbacks,” Kraft added, with a hint of skepticism.
McDaniels has an impressive coaching résumé with the Patriots, having been part of all six Super Bowl victories during the Brady-Belichick era, including three as offensive coordinator. However, his track record outside New England has been far less successful.
His first head coaching opportunity came in 2009 with the Denver Broncos. After an 8-8 debut season, he was fired following a disappointing 3-9 start in 2010. McDaniels then returned to New England, won three more championships, and left again in 2021—coinciding with the Patriots’ last playoff appearance—for another head coaching job, this time with the Las Vegas Raiders.
His second head coaching stint went even worse than the first. He was fired midway through his second season in Las Vegas after compiling a 9-16 record and reportedly losing the locker room following a heated team meeting where players openly criticized him.
Despite his struggles as a head coach, McDaniels has proven himself as a capable offensive mind in the NFL. Of course, his success came with Tom Brady at quarterback and Bill Belichick running the team, but his Patriots offenses were effective—and he has the rings to back it up.
With rookie quarterback Drake Maye showing promise and Vrabel now at the helm, New England’s future looks bright. Now, Kraft and Patriots fans are eager to see if McDaniels can finally thrive without Brady leading the way.
