Is the band coming back together in New England?
Newly appointed Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel interviewed Josh McDaniels on Tuesday for the team’s offensive coordinator position, according to Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz.
McDaniels served as New England’s offensive coordinator for 13 seasons under Bill Belichick, split into two stints, and was also an assistant coach under Belichick for five years before that. Vrabel, who played linebacker for the Patriots from 2001 to 2008, was with the team while McDaniels was part of the staff.
Vrabel is back in coaching a year after being let go by the Tennessee Titans. As he builds his new coaching staff, he is turning to someone he knows well. After his firing from the Titans, Vrabel spent the 2024 season as a consultant with the Cleveland Browns. The Patriots hired him as the first coach of the current offseason.
McDaniels returned to the Patriots in 2012 after a three-year absence, which included two seasons as head coach of the Denver Broncos.
He stayed on Belichick’s staff until the 2021 season, then took a job as head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022. However, he was fired by the Raiders after just two seasons, following the 2023 season. McDaniels did not coach in 2024.
Will Vrabel look to McDaniels to help develop quarterback Drake Maye?
Vrabel’s expertise is on the defensive side of the ball, so the decision on who to hire for the offensive coordinator role is important. The person who takes the job will be responsible for developing quarterback Drake Maye, who showed great promise as a rookie after being picked No. 3 overall in the 2024 draft.
McDaniels played a key role in developing quarterbacks during the Tom Brady era in New England, both as quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator. This experience could be attractive as the Patriots look to build their next franchise quarterback.
