In a move that reunites familiar faces, Josh McDaniels is set to rejoin the New England Patriots as their offensive coordinator. This marks his third tenure with the team, following an interview conducted on Tuesday. McDaniels will now work under the leadership of first-year head coach Mike Vrabel. The announcement, initially reported by Barstool Sports, comes as McDaniels prepares to mentor Drake Maye, the promising quarterback and the No. 3 pick in the 2024 draft.
McDaniels first entered the NFL in 2001, serving as an assistant coach under Bill Belichick in New England. Over the years, he has established a reputation for developing young talent, most notably mentoring quarterback Mac Jones to a successful rookie season in 2021. His return to the Patriots is expected to bolster their offensive strategies, particularly with Maye at the helm.
Drake Maye, who had an impressive rookie season in 2024, started 12 games and completed 225 of 338 passes for 2,276 yards. He recorded 15 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, while also contributing an additional 421 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 54 carries. McDaniels' experience and strategic expertise are anticipated to further hone Maye's skills and lead the team's offensive efforts.
Despite never having coached alongside Mike Vrabel, McDaniels shares a historical connection with him from Vrabel's playing days with the Patriots. This familiarity is anticipated to foster a synergistic working relationship as they strive to propel the team forward.
McDaniels’ career trajectory saw him leave the Patriots in 2009 to accept a head coaching position with the Denver Broncos, where he remained until December 2010. He then briefly served as the Rams' offensive coordinator in 2011 before returning to New England from 2012 through 2021. After a stint with the Las Vegas Raiders from 2022 into the 2023 season, McDaniels did not coach in the NFL in 2024.
In their search for a new offensive coordinator, the Patriots also considered Bears passing game coordinator Thomas Brown and Chargers passing game coordinator Marcus Brady. Ultimately, they opted for McDaniels’ seasoned expertise and familiarity with the team’s dynamics.
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