The New England Patriots are expected to hire Josh McDaniels as their offensive coordinator. McDaniels will serve under new head coach Mike Vrabel.
Josh McDaniels Will Become Patriots OC For Third Time
Throwback: The #Patriots are expected to hire Josh McDaniels to be their offensive coordinator, sources say, his third stint in this role.
The favorite all along, he interviewed today and solidified his standing. Now, he’ll join Mike Vrabel’s staff and work with Drake Maye. pic.twitter.com/LWEmZJjhsm
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 21, 2025
The news of McDaniels’ return as offensive coordinator came via NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. The team has yet to announce the hiring.
When official, it will mark McDaniels’ third stint as offensive coordinator for the Patriots.
McDaniels began his career with the Patriots as a personnel assistant in 2001. After working on the defensive side of the ball for two seasons, McDaniels became the quarterbacks coach in 2004.
McDaniels took over as offensive coordinator in 2006. In 2007, the Patriots set NFL records for touchdowns (75) and points (589). Those records stood for almost a decade until the 2013 Denver Broncos scored 76 touchdowns and 589 points.
McDaniels was the Denver Broncos coach for two seasons before being fired in Dec. 2010.
After a short stint in St. Louis, McDaniels returned to New England and became the offensive coordinator from 2012-2021, winning three Super Bowls with quarterback Tom Brady.
McDaniels left the Patriots in 2022 to become the Las Vegas Raiders head coach. Once again, McDaniels failed as the head guy, compiling a 9-16 record over two years before his firing on Oct. 31, 2023.
Josh McDaniels’ First Priority: Develop Drake Maye
Patriots' offense with Josh McDaniels and Mac Jones in 2021:
6th in scoring
10th in EPA/play
4th in success rate
15th in total offense
10th in third down
11th in red zone
8th in yards/pass attemptProven track record, great with QBs, don't have to worry about losing him to an… https://t.co/oKnfTRtnrh
— Zack Cox (@zm_cox) January 21, 2025
It’s a reunion in New England for McDaniels, who reunites with Vrabel, a player he coached from 2001-2008.
McDaniels number one priority in New England will be to develop quarterback Drake Maye.
McDaniels has a proven track record of developing quarterbacks in New England, including Tom Brady, Jimmy Garoppolo, Matt Cassel, and Mac Jones.
Maye is coming off a rookie season where he showed flashes of greatness. Maye threw for 2,276 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 110 interceptions in 13 games.
With a head coach and offensive coordinator in place, New England can now address team needs, including multiple offensive linemen and wide receivers.
