Patriots make a conservative, but perfect choice to make sure Drake Maye reaches his ceiling
The New England Patriots officially have their next offensive coordinator. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that the Patriots have hired Josh McDaniels. "The favorite all along, he interviewed today and solidified his standing. Now, he’ll join Mike Vrabel’s staff and work with Drake Maye," Rapoport wrote. The Athletic's Dianna Russini confirmed the news. It was […]
The New England Patriots officially have their next offensive coordinator.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that the Patriots have hired Josh McDaniels.
"The favorite all along, he interviewed today and solidified his standing. Now, he’ll join Mike Vrabel’s staff and work with Drake Maye," Rapoport wrote.
The Athletic's Dianna Russini confirmed the news.
It was first reported by Kirk Minihane.
McDaniels has had two stints as New England's offensive coordinator, first from 2006-2008 and then against from 2012-2021. But, he first began with the organization in 2001 as a personnel assistant. And he's had a lot of success, winning six Super Bowls during that time.
Plus, he was also responsible for Mac Jones' strong rookie season that landed the quarterback a spot in the Pro Bowl and on the PFWA All-Rookie team in 2021.
So, now he gets to work with Drake Maye and help shape the future face of the franchise.
After Mike Vrabel was hired as the Patriots new head coach, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported that McDaniels would be a prime candidate to be the offensive coordinator.
Rob Gronkowski completely agreed.
"If I'm Mike Vrabel, the first thing I would do is call up and dial up the number of Josh McDaniels, a familiar face to Patriots fans and hire him as offensive coordinator as soon as possible," Gronkowski said on FOX's NFL show on Sunday.
Prior to this hiring, the Patriots have also reportedly interviewed Thomas Brown, Marcus Brady, and Grant Udinski.
Brown was named the Chicago Bears interim head coach this season after the team fired Matt Eberflus following a 4-8 start. However, with Brown, they were only able to get one additional win, finishing with a 5-12 record.
He worked with fellow rookie Caleb Williams, so he knows what it's like to help develop quarterback.
As for Brady, he served as the Los Angeles Chargers passing game coordinator this past season, but has had stints with the Indianapolis Colts and Philadelphia Eagles.
And then there's Udinski who was the Minnesota Vikings assistant offensive coordinator in 2024. He's been with the Vikings since 2022, first serving as an assistant to the head coach.
There were also some rumblings that Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur was being linked to New England, but Peter Schrager put an end to that.
So, it's another reunion for the Patriots, and a good one at that.
