Despite the rumors that he would become the Cleveland Browns or Green Bay Packers head coach, New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels confirmed on Tuesday that he will be staying in in Foxboro.
McDaniels, 42, interviewed with the Green Bay Packers last week, however he did not accept the position because he always intended to stay with the Patriots.
“The book is closed,” McDaniels said Tuesday on a media conference call. “It’s always a humbling experience to have an opportunity to interview with anybody for that position. I was thankful for the opportunity to meet with Green Bay. It always gives you greater insight into another organization of how they do things. It’s been very educational for me every time I’ve gone through it and I’ve appreciated every single one of them.”
The Packers hired Tennessee Titans OC Matt LaFLeur to become their next head coach, replacing Mike McCarthy. With Aaron Rodgers at quarterback, the Packers sought an offensive-minded head coach. They hoped Josh McDaniels would be the ideal candidate, but his loyalty to the Patriots won out.
Cleveland Rumors
The season had ended only a few hours before there were whispers that Josh McDaniels was a coaching candidate for the Cleveland Browns. McDaniels grew up in Canton, Ohio, so he had regional roots to the area. The emergence of Baker Mayfield as a bona fide quarterback made the Browns and ideal opportunity for its next head coach.
Last year, McDaniels accepted the head coaching job with the Indianapolis Colts because he would have the chance to coach Andrew Luck. McDaniels had cold feet and backed out of the Colts job. As a result, they scrambled and hired Frank Reich instead. The addition of Reich makes perfect sense right now with the red-hot Colts advancing to the AFC Divisional round.
Next Up, Chargers
McDaniels has his New England squad tweaking the game plan against the Los Angeles Chargers in the AFC Divisional playoffs.
“I’m completely focused on the Chargers and our season and finishing it strong. And I’ll be here moving forward.”
The Patriots were awarded the #2 seed in the AFC and had the benefit of a bye week in the opening round of the playoffs. The Pats are 8-0 at home this season, but they will be facing a Chargers defense that is much better than everyone expects.
Beyond this season, McDaniels is in a good spot, so why ruin a perfect thing? Tom Brady indicated he would like to play next season and beyond.
There has been rumors that Brady and Belichick’s relationship had cooled over the last couple of seasons. If Belichick decided to return, or coach elsewhere, the Patriots would love to have McDaniels step in as the heir apparent.
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