Josh McDaniels Set to Return as Patriots’ Offensive Coordinator
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The New England Patriots are making waves in the NFL world with their latest move. According to sources confirmed by ESPN, the Patriots are expected to bring back Josh McDaniels as their offensive coordinator. This decision marks McDaniels’ third stint with the franchise, and it comes at a pivotal time as the team looks to build a strong foundation under the leadership of first-year head coach Mike Vrabel.
McDaniels’ return is particularly intriguing as he will be working closely with the promising young quarterback Drake Maye, who was the No. 3 pick in the 2024 draft. The Patriots are banking on McDaniels’ expertise to help Maye develop into a top-tier NFL quarterback. Maye had a solid rookie season, starting 12 games and completing 225-of-338 passes for 2,276 yards, with 15 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He also showcased his mobility with 54 rushes for 421 yards and two touchdowns.
The Patriots’ decision to bring back McDaniels was not made lightly. The team conducted interviews with several candidates, including Bears passing game coordinator Thomas Brown and Chargers passing game coordinator Marcus Brady. However, McDaniels’ familiarity with the Patriots’ system and his previous success with the team likely played a significant role in the decision.
McDaniels’ coaching journey has been a rollercoaster. After breaking into the NFL in 2001 as an assistant coach under Bill Belichick in New England, he left in 2009 to become the head coach of the Denver Broncos. His tenure there was short-lived, as he was fired in December 2010. He then spent a year as the Rams’ offensive coordinator in 2011 before returning to New England from 2012 to 2021.
During his time with the Patriots, McDaniels was instrumental in mentoring quarterback Mac Jones to a successful rookie season in 2021, which resulted in Jones being named an alternate for the Pro Bowl. Now, McDaniels is tasked with replicating that success with Maye, a challenge he seems well-equipped to handle given his track record.
Interestingly, McDaniels has never coached on a staff with Mike Vrabel, but the two share a connection from Vrabel’s playing days with the Patriots. Vrabel was a key member of three Super Bowl championship teams from 2001 to 2008, and this shared history could foster a strong working relationship between the two.
McDaniels did not coach in the NFL in 2024 after his stint as the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022 and into the 2023 season. His return to the Patriots is seen as a fresh start and an opportunity to reignite his coaching career.
As the Patriots gear up for the upcoming season, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how McDaniels will influence the team’s offensive strategy. His experience and familiarity with the Patriots’ system could prove invaluable as the team looks to make a strong push in the competitive NFL landscape.
Barstool Sports was the first to report that McDaniels’ hire was imminent, and now that the news is confirmed, the excitement is palpable. Patriots fans are hopeful that McDaniels’ return will bring about a resurgence in the team’s offensive prowess and help guide them back to their winning ways.
- Josh McDaniels returns to the Patriots for a third stint.
- He will work under first-year head coach Mike Vrabel.
- McDaniels will mentor promising quarterback Drake Maye.
- Maye was the No. 3 pick in the 2024 draft.
- McDaniels previously mentored Mac Jones to a successful rookie season.
With the pieces falling into place, the Patriots are poised for an exciting season ahead. The return of Josh McDaniels as offensive coordinator is a move that could pay dividends as the team looks to build a bright future.
Originally Written by: Mike Reiss
