The New England Patriots have confirmed plans to hire Josh McDaniels as their new offensive coordinator, sources told ESPN on Tuesday. This marks McDaniels’ return to the franchise for a third time, working under first-year head coach Mike Vrabel.
McDaniels had previously interviewed with the Patriots and also spoke with Thomas Brown from the Bears and Marcus Brady from the Chargers. He will join forces with quarterback Drake Maye, the No. 3 pick in the 2024 draft.
The hiring comes after McDaniels’ stint as Las Vegas Raiders head coach in 2022 and 2023, where he did not coach in the NFL that year. Despite never working together on a staff, Vrabel and McDaniels have a connection from their time with the Patriots, where Vrabel played from 2001 to 2008.
McDaniels’ coaching journey began in 2001 as an assistant coach under Bill Belichick in New England. He later became the Broncos head coach before returning to the Patriots from 2012 to 2021. His experience will be key in helping Maye, who had a successful rookie season with the team.
Source: https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/43510397/sources-patriots-bring-back-josh-mcdaniels-oc