Josh McDaniels reportedly will interview with the Raiders for their open head-coaching job on Saturday.
So, if he does depart, who replaces him in New England?
Appearing on Merloni & Fauria Friday, former Patriots executive Mike Lombardi gave his take.
“I think knowing Bill, and of course my son [Mick] is the wide receivers coach there and he loves his work, and I think the way Bill has always operated, including back to Josh — remember Josh wasn’t the offensive coordinator for a long time, even when he was calling plays he didn’t get that title," Lombardi said. "You earn yourself to more responsibility. That’s the Patriot Way, which I agree 1,000% with, but I think there would have to be — I think a call would be made to Bill O’Brien because he’s familiar with the system. He’s familiar with the process. People have mentioned Joe Judge, but Joe was the receivers coach. Joe has never called a game before — offensively.
“I could see Bill trying to bring somebody in with expertise and then grooming some of the young coaches on the staff, whether it’s my son, whether it’s tight ends coach Nick Caley, or whomever. I think that’s always been the case because the way Bill operates is he will give you responsibility and the more you’re able to do, the more you’ll get.”
Lombardi believes losing McDaniels would be huge for the team.
“I don’t think it’s close, I think he’s one of the best coordinators in football. He’s one of the best football minds," he said. "The people that are calling don’t know anything about football. They really don’t.”
Listen to the full interview, including Lombardi discussing the impact on Mac Jones around the 3:40 mark.
