The New England Patriots are reviving their storied past as they confirm the hiring of Josh McDaniels as their offensive coordinator for the upcoming NFL season. Newly appointed head coach Mike Vrabel is teaming up with McDaniels, marking the latter’s third stint with the Patriots organization, following noteworthy tenures under iconic coach Bill Belichick.
According to reports from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, McDaniels, who has extensive experience with the Patriots, has officially accepted the offensive coordinator role. This position has become available as New England aims to strengthen its struggling offense, which ranked among the worst last season.
McDaniels’ return is particularly significant as he previously served as the Patriots’ offensive coordinator from 2006 to 2008 and then again from 2012 until 2021, during which he contributed to six Super Bowl victories under Belichick. His offensive schemes were instrumental during the Tom Brady era, and now he enters the 2025 season with hopes of reviving the franchise's offensive potency.
This hiring can be viewed as Vrabel’s strategic choice to leverage McDaniels’ deep knowledge of the game and familiarity with the Patriots organization. Vrabel, who played for the Patriots from 2001 to 2008, has two Super Bowl rings with the team and aims to infuse his defensive expertise with McDaniels’ offensive prowess as they rebuild the team.
The Patriots will also look to develop second-year quarterback Drake Maye, who showed promise last season. Selected third overall in the 2024 draft, Maye impressed many by tossing 15 touchdowns to just 10 interceptions. His potential aligns perfectly with McDaniels' track record of nurturing quarterbacks, including past successes with Brady and Mac Jones.
“Josh McDaniels is the guy. He knows how to develop quarterbacks,” former Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski stated, emphasizing McDaniels’ capabilities and importance to Maye’s growth. Gronkowski highlighted McDaniels’ ability to demand respect and effectively connect with players, which could play a key role as they look to turnaround what was the third-fewest scoring offense last year.
Looking back at McDaniels’ career highlights, he originally joined the Patriots as a personnel assistant back in 2001, climbing through the ranks to become the quarterbacks coach and, later, the offensive coordinator. After two challenging seasons as the head coach of the Denver Broncos, where his tenure ended amid controversies and criticism, he returned to the Patriots and reaffirmed his value as one of the league's top offensive minds.
Despite facing setbacks with the Las Vegas Raiders, where he lasted just two seasons before being fired midway through the 2023 season, many believe McDaniels’ ideal role remains as an offensive coordinator rather than head coach. His successful collaborations with quarterbacks are well-documented, and he accounts for significant growth among young talents.
“I truly believe he would be the right one for Drake Maye,” Gronkowski argued last week, underscoring McDaniels’ suitability for the young quarterback’s development. The 48-year-old coach’s unique blend of tactical acumen and communication skills suggests he could propel Maye to new heights.
McDaniels replaces Alex Van Pelt, whose uncertain future with the team came after the Patriots’ struggle for offensive consistency. The 2024 season was disappointing, with the offense managing only 291.9 points, ranking 31st across the NFL.
Vrabel’s decision to bring McDaniels back is backed by their shared history, having worked together during the peak of the Patriots' success. The two unified again on the sidelines offers hope for Patriots fans hungry for consistent offensive production.
The upcoming season will be pivotal, as McDaniels must undertake the challenge of revamping the Patriots’ offense. With the potential of quarterbacks like Maye, who has displayed substantial upside, the offense could take significant strides forward, which is much needed for the franchise aiming for resurgence.
Fans and analysts alike are eagerly anticipating how the pairing of McDaniels and Maye will reshape the Patriots moving forward. With both the offensive coordinator and young quarterback eager to prove themselves, the fuse is lit for what could be an exciting season as they take the next steps together.