The New England Patriots are expected to bring Josh McDaniels back as offensive coordinator, according to a report from Ian Rapoport of NFL Media.
In a post on X Tuesday evening, Rapoport wrote:
“Throwback: The #Patriots are expected to hire Josh McDaniels to be their offensive coordinator, sources say, his third stint in this role.
The favorite all along, he interviewed today and solidified his standing. Now, he’ll join Mike Vrabel’s staff and work with Drake Maye.”
UPDATE: The Patriots officially announced the hiring of McDaniels on Wednesday afternoon.
McDaniels most recently served as head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, where his teams went 9-16 and he was let go after fewer than two seasons, in 2023.
His history in New England dates back to 2001, when he first joined the organization as personnel assistant. He rose through the ranks working with the defensive backs in 2003, and then quarterbacks in 2004. His first official stint as offensive coordinator began after the 2005 season, and he led the 2007 offense the NFL record shattering success.
McDaniels left the Patriots to assume the head coaching role with the Denver Broncos in 2009, but was fired after fewer than two seasons.
He returned to New England in 2012 after a brief stint as offensive coordinator for the St. Louis Rams. His second stint with the Patriots yielded three more Super Bowls. During McDaniels’ final season as offensive coordinator with the Patriots, then-rookie Mac Jones was selected as a Pro Bowl alternate.
The Patriots also reportedly interviewed Minnesota Vikings assistant offensive coordinator and assistant quarterbacks coach Grant Udinski, Chicago Bears interim head coach Thomas Brown, and Los Angeles Chargers pass game coordinator Marcus Brady for the offensive coordinator position.
New England has not officially signaled the departure of 2024 offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt, who guided Maye through a promising rookie season in which he threw 15 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, in 13 starts.