6 rings: Reacting to Bill Belichick, Robert Kraft Press Conference Announcing Their Parting of Ways
Now that the Patriots have hired Jerod Mayo to be the franchise's 15th head coach, it's time for him to put together a staff.
As things currently stand, at least according to the team's website, every coach remains on staff besides Bill Belichick. This, of course, is subject to change (and likely will) as contracts expire, coaches take other jobs, or the team/Mayo decides that it's time to part ways.
One coach who is under contract is offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien, however it sounds like his status with the team may be up in the air.
While appearing on NFL Network on Saturday afternoon, league insider Mike Garafolo explained the tasks that lie ahead for the new head coach in Mayo. In doing so, he mentioend that a familiar face could return to Foxborough in place of O’Brien:
“Now, Mayo goes about building his own Patriot Way with his own coaching staff, and it's that all-important offensive coordinator job we've been talking about the last couple of years,” the insider explained. “Bill O'Brien is currently under contract, but if he and the Patriots go their separate ways, expect a familiar face, Josh McDaniels, to be at the top of the list for Jerod Mayo's next offensive coordinator.”
That's right, Josh McDaniels. The former Las Vegas Raiders and Denver Broncos head coach who also spent two previous stints in New England from 2001-2008 and then again from 2012-2021. He won six Super Bowls while on the Patriots staff.
It was reported last week by The Athletic's Jeff Howe, before the Patriots and Bill Belichick parted ways, that McDaniels could return to the staff with Belichick in an attempt to aid “a firm plan to dramatically improve the on-field product after the [team's] worst record (4-13) of Kraft’s ownership.” That obviously didn't happen, as the two sides split on Thursday.
McDaniels was spotted entering Gillette Stadium last weekend prior to the Patriots' season finale vs. the Jets, and it was later reported that he and his family were there, “as fans in what could be Matthew Slater’s final game.” He was also in attendance at Gillette Stadium on Thursday as Robert Kraft and Bill Belichick made statements announcing their parting of ways.
The last time McDaniels was coaching in Foxborough was during Mac Jones' rookie season, arguably the quarterback's best. The 2021 15th overall pick threw for 3,801 yards and 22 touchdowns while leading the Patriots to a 10-7 record and a playoff berth.
Jones, of course, has fallen off significantly since McDaniels' departure, posting just an 8-17 record as a starter while throwing 24 touchdowns to 23 interceptions. He was ultimately benched for backup quarterback Bailey Zappe with six games to go this season. Perhaps with the addition of McDaniels and the blessing of the front office (which is an entirely different story at this point), he's given another chance in Foxborough.
Either way, the potential addition of McDaniels should be seen as a positive. Though he hasn't had success as a head coach, he's proven to be a quality quarterbacks coach and playcaller. Whoever gets to learn under him next season, wherever he ultimately ends up, has the opportunity to work with a great offensive mind.
Make sure to follow Mike on Twitter @mikekadlick, and follow @WEEI for the latest up-to-date Patriots and Boston sports news!
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