Josh McDaniels To Return As Patriots Offensive Coordinator: Reports

FOXBOROUGH, MA — The New England Patriots have hired in offensive coordinator in what could have been the second worst kept secret of the offseason, behind the Mike Vrabel hire.

According to multiple NFL insiders, Vrabel is set to bring Josh McDaniels back to Foxborough as his offensive coordinator. McDaniels was last with the Las Vegas Raiders as head coach, finishing with a 9-16 record after being fired in his second season.

ESPN's Mike Reiss said the team has interviewed multiple candidates, but McDaniels is viewed as the favorite. The team has yet to make the move official.

Though McDaniels hasn't proven successful as a head coach, his resume as a coordinator is stellar. He began as OC in New England in 2006, coordinating one of the greatest NFL offenses in 2007. He left New England after three years for the Denver Broncos head coaching job, but returned to New England in 2012.

The Patriots, of course, won three Super Bowls over that time, but perhaps his one season with Mac Jones should give New England fans the most hope about what he can bring to Drake Maye and the offense moving forward.

Jones had his best year as a pro in 2021 with McDaniels as his coordinator. Now, McDaniels will be tasked with providing the same stability and offensive creativity for Maye in his second year and beyond.