The New England Patriots are expecting to lose offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels after this season, as the 42-year-old is ready to give it another go as an NFL head coach.
According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, sources believe McDaniels is going to leave the Patriots for a head coaching opportunity. The Cleveland Browns and Green Bay Packers have interviewed McDaniels for their vacant positions, and it's believed he will join Aaron Rodgers and co. if they offer him the head coaching job.
McDaniels was set to leave the Patriots after accepting the Indianapolis Colts' offer to become the new coach. However, McDaniels pulled out at the last minute and signed a contract extension with the Patriots.
It was initially believed there was a succession plan in place for McDaniels to replace Bill Belichick, with the latter possibly nearing retirement. But if that was ever the long-term plan, it may be moot now. McDaniels, this time, might be legitimately ready to leave Foxborough for another kick at the can.
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McDaniels has been on staff for all five of the Patriots' Super Bowl championships in the 21st century. He left to become head coach of the Denver Broncos in 2009, but he was fired during the 2010 season after the team lost nine of its first 12 games. McDaniels compiled an 11-17 record as head coach in the Mile High City.
Barring any other surprises, it's safe to say the Patriots will be losing their genius offensive coordinator a second time. Belichick has always found success replacing his coordinators and players, but we'll see if he can find an equivalent to McDaniels' offensive mind.
What This Means
It's believed both the Browns and Packers will hire an offensive-minded head coach to get the most out of their quarterbacks, Baker Mayfield and Aaron Rodgers. If McDaniels really is leaving New England, the only question now is which team will end up hiring him.
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