Josh McDaniels, the former New England Patriots offensive coordinator and, most recently, the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, is reportedly being considered for a return to his old stomping grounds.
Following the Patriots’ hire of Mike Vrabel as their new head coach, speculation is swirling about who will join his staff. McDaniels’ name has already surfaced as a candidate for the offensive coordinator role.
Chris Simms Believes in Josh McDaniels’ Potential of Shaping Young QBs
Former Buccaneers quarterback Chris Simms shared his thoughts on McDaniels’ potential role. Speaking on “NFL on NBC,” Simms said that McDaniels, despite his rocky tenure as a head coach, is well-suited for a coordinator position. “He’s going to be pleased with that,” Simms said.
“He runs a system or his system has got lots of variety to it, and I think Mike Vrabel would like that. Josh McDaniels is pretty good with young quarterbacks. What he did with Mac Jones before, he certainly could help out Drake Maye, too.”
Vrabel is intent on revitalizing the Patriots’ offense, and McDaniels’ experience could play a pivotal role, especially in shaping Maye’s NFL trajectory.
McDaniels boasts a history with the Patriots, leading the team’s offense to historic heights. In 2007, New England shattered records, scoring 589 points and 75 touchdowns under his guidance. He played a key role in three of the Patriots’ Super Bowl wins, including their miraculous comeback against the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI.
However, McDaniels’ head coaching career has been far less glamorous. The 48-year-old’s stints with the Denver Broncos and Raiders ended in disappointment, and his abrupt decision to withdraw from the Indianapolis Colts’ head coaching job in 2018 raised eyebrows across the league. But his ability to develop quarterbacks remains highly regarded.
The Patriots, meanwhile, are desperate to escape their recent slump. With two straight last-place finishes in the AFC East, Vrabel has been tasked with turning the tide in New England. The team’s offensive struggles, including a -22 turnover differential since 2023, make the offensive coordinator hire critical.
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McDaniels’ familiarity with the organization and proven success in New England could offer the Patriots the stability and innovation they need. As Vrabel begins to assemble his staff, McDaniels’ potential return is a big talking point.
Whether this reunion materializes remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the Patriots need all the firepower they can get to reassert themselves in the NFL.