When first asked about his former offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels leading the Raiders squad his Patriots were about to practice against, Bill Belichick tried to demur.
"Just really worried about what we're doing out here today, but I think the world of Josh," he said of McDaniels, who left New England for the Raiders after the 2021-22 season.
Of course, the media wasn't going to let him get away with such a paltry response on McDaniels -- once viewed as Belichick's heir apparent in New England -- flying away from the nest a second time and leaving behind an offensive rebuilding process in Foxborough.
So Belichick dug a little deeper when asked next about McDaniels' growth from his first failed stint as head coach of the Denver Broncos to now.
"Josh is the type of person that grows every year…We all learn things every year," Belichick said. "This will be his opportunity to take whatever that was into a different situation...I'm sure he'll take advantage of that."
McDaniels himself has been candid about his growth since failing in Denver, citing his struggles with collaboration and building team culture.
“Looking at that experience has been one of the best things in my life in terms of my overall growth as a person, as a coach," he said after taking the Raiders job. "What do I need to do different, how do I need to handle my role, if I have another opportunity, and do better at it?”
The former leader of the Patriots offense will now guide an offense spearheaded by quarterback Derek Carr, newly signed receiver Davante Adams, and a host of other playmakers through the gauntlet that is the AFC West.
Belichick believes McDaniels, who spent 19 years with the Patriots organization (14 as offensive coordinator), is up to the task: "He's a really smart guy. Works hard. He's a good football guy. He's a solid person. I'm sure he'll do well.
"Nobody has more respect for Josh McDaniels than I do."
