The New England Patriots and Josh McDaniels seem unable to part ways for good.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, McDaniels is reportedly returning to New England for a third stint as the team’s offensive coordinator. He will join new head coach Mike Vrabel’s staff.
McDaniels first served as the Patriots’ offensive coordinator from 2006 to 2008 before leaving to become head coach of the Denver Broncos. He returned in 2012, staying until 2021 when he took the head coaching role with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Once the move is finalized, McDaniels will take on the task of developing Drake Maye into the team’s next franchise quarterback. Although McDaniels struggled in his head-coaching roles in Denver and Las Vegas, his track record as an offensive coordinator in New England is strong. However, much of that success came during Tom Brady’s time as quarterback.
That said, McDaniels did oversee a successful offense in 2021, ranking sixth in the NFL in points scored with Mac Jones at quarterback. This provides some hope that he can build a solid offense around Maye.
Familiarity appears to play a significant role in the Patriots’ decision-making. McDaniels has been a key figure on the team’s sideline for much of the past 18 years and was part of the coaching staff throughout Vrabel’s playing career in New England.
The Patriots have shown a clear preference for hiring individuals with ties to the team or former head coach Bill Belichick. After parting ways with Belichick following the 2023 season, they initially appointed Jerod Mayo, a former player and assistant, as head coach. When that experiment ended after one season, the team turned to Vrabel, another former Patriot, who is now bringing McDaniels back into the fold.
