New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel has tapped 48-year-old two-time NFL head coach Josh McDaniels to return as the team’s offensive coordinator, tasked with developing quarterback Drake Maye. This marks McDaniels’ third stint as the Patriots’ OC and comes after his previous roles under Bill Belichick from 2006-2008 and 2012-2021.
McDaniels has a proven track record of helping young quarterbacks, including Mac Jones’ impressive rookie season before joining the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022. He also helped Matt Cassel deliver an impressive 2008 season as the Patriots’ starter. McDaniels’ system differs from Vrabel’s previous teams, focusing on gap-scheme rushes instead of wide-zone runs.
For Vrabel, developing Maye is crucial to his tenure in New England. The two have never worked together and don’t have a pre-existing relationship, but they share mutual friends with Tom Brady. The Patriots’ new coach aims to return the franchise to contention, and McDaniels is tasked with helping him achieve that goal.
Vrabel’s approach emphasizes leadership style and game management, deferring to McDaniels for X’s and O’s. The coaching staff will focus on developing Maye’s skills, creating a versatile offense that can adapt to the players’ abilities. This sensible approach aims to bring continuity to Maye’s development as he navigates his fourth offensive coordinator in four years.
McDaniels’ return signals a new era for the Patriots’ offense, with Vrabel and McDaniels working together to build a winning team around talented quarterback Drake Maye.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6078010/2025/01/21/patriots-josh-mcdaniels-offensive-coordinator