Josh McDaniels Eyes Third Stint as Patriots Offensive Coordinator

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Josh McDaniels, a familiar face in New England, has interviewed for the Patriots’ offensive coordinator position under head coach Mike Vrabel, according to a report by Mark Daniels of MassLive.com. This marks McDaniels’ potential third stint with the franchise, where he previously served as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach during two separate tenures.

McDaniels first joined the Patriots in 2001 as a personnel assistant, rising to offensive coordinator from 2006 to 2008. After a brief head coaching role with the Denver Broncos, he returned to New England in 2012, contributing to six Super Bowl victories under Bill Belichick. His most recent role was as head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, which ended in 2022.

Vrabel, who took over as head coach this offseason, has reportedly considered a wide range of candidates for the offensive coordinator role. Among them are Minnesota’s Grant Udinski, former Chicago Bears interim coach Thomas Brown, and Los Angeles Chargers passing game coordinator Marcus Brady.

McDaniels’ potential return comes as the Patriots aim to revitalize their offense following a disappointing 2024 season. His familiarity with the organization and proven track record make him a strong contender for the position.

Meanwhile, Vrabel is also exploring other coaching options. Chip Kelly, Ohio State’s offensive coordinator and former UCLA head coach, has emerged as an outside-the-box candidate. Kelly’s innovative offensive schemes have been on full display this season, with Ohio State ranking fourth in scoring and sixth in total yards among FBS teams.

Kelly, who led Oregon to a BCS National Championship appearance in 2010, has a mixed NFL coaching record. His tenure with the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers ended with a 28-35 record, but his expertise as an offensive coordinator remains highly regarded.

Other names in the mix for coaching roles include Arthur Smith, Mike LaFleur, and Dave Ragone for offensive coordinator, as well as Terrell Williams and Bobby King for defensive coordinator positions. Special teams coordinator Jeremy Springer is also expected to return, maintaining continuity in one of the Patriots’ most consistent units.

As the Patriots continue to build their coaching staff, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if McDaniels’ return becomes a reality or if Vrabel opts for a fresh approach to lead the team’s offense in 2025.