Following the massive hire of Mike Vrabel as the New England Patriots' new head coach, Vrabel has officially brought in a new hire of his own. Former Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels is officially returning to the team's coaching staff.
More news: Vikings and Kevin O'Connell Agree to Massive Multi-Year Extension
According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, "BREAKING: The #Patriots are hiring Josh McDaniels as their new OC, sources tell @NFLonFOX. McDaniels returns to New England, this time under Mike Vrabel. The six-time Super Bowl champ will play a key role in developing Drake Maye."
McDaniels had been the favorite to land the offensive coordinator position with the team, and that has now been made a reality by Vrabel.
More news: Bills Fans Donate Over $10,000 to Mark Andrews Charity Following Death Threats
McDaniels returns to the Patriots organization after serving as the offensive coordinator from 2012 to 2021. The original plan for the offensive guru was that he was set to take over when Bill Belichick stepped away from the team. However, that did not happen until 2023.
Instead of waiting around for another opportunity, McDaniels chose to test the waters of being a head coach again. That opportunity came in 2022 when he was hired to be the next head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders.
McDaniels did not have a successful two-year stint with the Raiders. His first season in 2022 saw the team go 6-11. He would be fired mid-season after the Raiders went 3-5 to start the season.
McDaniels took time off between that and is now going to be returning to the Patriots. It will be interesting to see if a strong performance in New England could lead to him receiving a third head coaching position.
McDaniels previously led the Denver Broncos in 2009 and 2010 but was fired after Week 13 in the 2010 season after leading the team to a rocky 3-9 start.
For now, McDaniels will join Vrabel in attempting to rebound the once-great Patriots organization. After 20 years of dominance behind quarterback Tom Brady and Belichick, Brady would leave for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Brady would lead the Bucs to a Super Bowl win, while the Belichick-led Patriots struggled to put together a winning season.
The Patriots eventually moved on from Belichick in 2023 and promoted Jerod Mayo to head coach. Mayo was seemingly in over his head and was fired after the team went 4-13 in 2024.
Now, the Patriots have brought in former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel, along with former offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. It will be interesting to see if the pair can help the team rebound and join AFC relevancy again.
More NFL:
Eagles' Saquon Barkley Could Break an Even Bigger NFL Record vs Commanders
Patriots Swipe Newest Front-Office Hire From Unlikely Team: the Red Sox
For more on the Patriots, head to Newsweek Sports.
English (US) ·