Could Josh McDaniels take over the Patriots OC job if Vrabel is named coach? originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
Those hoping for the New England Patriots to land some familiar faces will like how the team’s coaching search is currently trending.
Former linebacker and Patriots Hall of Famer Mike Vrabel remains the favorite to become the next Patriots head coach, according to our Phil Perry. Vrabel has an in-person interview with New England on Thursday, and as Perry noted on Wednesday Next Pats podcast, Technically, the Patriots could hire him once that interview is over, as they’ve already satisfied the NFL’s Rooney Rule by interviewing Byron Leftwich and Pep Hamilton on Tuesday.
If Vrabel does indeed get the Patriots head coaching job, who could he hire as his offensive coordinator to work with talented young quarterback Drake Maye? According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, there is “a buzz in some coaching circles” that former Patriots OC Josh McDaniels “could be a prime candidate” to return to New England in the same role under Vrabel.
“That would be quite a nostalgic tandem, and while McDaniels is a two-time failed head coach, no one disputes his coordinators,” Fowler wrote Thursday.
McDaniels played just 25 games as head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, who went 6-11 in 2022 and started the 2023 season 3-5 before McDaniels was fired on Oct. 31. The 48-year-old has an extensive history in New England. however, as an offensive coordinator: He worked hand-in-hand with Tom Brady for the better part of two decades and helped Mac Jones finish second in 2021 AFC Offensive Rookie of the Year voting.
On paper, McDaniels seems like a strong matchup for Maye, a physically gifted 22-year-old QB who put up impressive stats in 2024 despite working with a first-year OC (Alex Van Pelt) and a depleted group of skill players. Maye has the potential to develop into a Pro Bowl quarterback with the right supporting cast, and if the team improves the talent around him and brings in a seasoned veteran like McDaniels to lead the offense, it could be a recipe for success are.
McDaniels to New England is of course not a certainty. Although he and Vrabel have a relationship — they overlapped with the Patriots for eight seasons — Vrabel would prefer to hire a coach he has worked with directly, such as Cleveland Browns pass game specialist and tight ends coach Tommy Rees.
The Patriots could also opt to hire an offensive-minded head coach, such as Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who will interview with New England on Friday. The Lions led the NFL in scoring this season (33.2 points per game) under Johnson, and his level of offensive expertise is tempting to pair with a QB like Maye.
However, if New England chooses Vrabel, McDaniels is a name to keep an eye on.
