Josh McDaniels is set to rejoin the New England Patriots as their offensive coordinator, according to reports.
This will mark McDaniels’ third stint with the Patriots, where he will now collaborate with first-year head coach Mike Vrabel and work closely with quarterback Drake Maye, the No.3 overall pick in the 2024 draft.
The Patriots recently conducted interviews for the offensive coordinator role, considering candidates such as Minnesota Vikings assistant quarterbacks coach Grant Udinski, Chicago Bears interim head coach Thomas Brown, and Los Angeles Chargers passing game coordinator Marcus Brady.
McDaniels did not coach in the NFL during the 2024 season. He previously served as the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022 and partway through the 2023 season.
Although McDaniels and Vrabel have never worked together on a coaching staff, they share a connection from Vrabel’s playing days with the Patriots (2001-08), where he was part of three Super Bowl-winning teams.
McDaniels began his NFL career in 2001 as an assistant under Bill Belichick in New England. After departing in 2009 to become the Denver Broncos’ head coach – a role he held until December 2010 – he spent a year as the Rams’ offensive coordinator in 2011 before returning to the Patriots from 2012 to 2021.
Patriots expected to hire Josh McDaniels as offensive coordinator. (via @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/dpyAih3VcF
— NFL (@NFL) January 21, 2025
During his 2021 tenure, McDaniels guided quarterback Mac Jones to a standout rookie season, which earned Jones an alternate spot in the Pro Bowl.
McDaniels now aims to replicate that success with Maye, who started 12 games as a rookie in 2024, completing 225 of 338 passes for 2,276 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. Maye also contributed 54 carries for 421 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
