Josh McDaniels is not one to dismiss future opportunities, so he’s keeping the door ajar for a potential third shot at being an NFL head coach.
Having had two previous terms—one with the Broncos and another with the Raiders, where he was let go after an underwhelming 25 games—he’s settled into a familiar role that feels right to him.
It’s a good situation so far, and there’s a sense of belonging.
Returning to the Patriots for a third time as their offensive coordinator, McDaniels is gearing up for his 11th Super Bowl with the team, marking his fifth as the primary play-caller. So, it’s understandable if he’s a bit reluctant to chase another head coaching role right now, especially after the hit his reputation took with those earlier firings.
“Honestly, I’m just going to take it one day at a time for the rest of my career,” he mentioned during the Super Bowl opener. “I’ve had opportunities, and they’ve been a learning experience, but I feel like I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.”
After parting ways with the Raiders on Halloween in 2023, McDaniels took a step back rather than rushing into the next gig. He visited several college programs and NFL teams, reconnecting with various respected coaches for insights and inspiration.
He wasn’t entirely sure what he’d gain from these visits; it was really just a way to fill his time constructively.
Eventually, he found clarity about his path.
Watching Andy Reid run practice and observing coaches like DeMeco Ryans lead meetings was enlightening. This exposure helped him appreciate different coaching philosophies—like USC’s Lincoln Riley’s offensive strategies and former Bills coach Sean McDermott’s defensive concepts.
Bill Belichick had always been McDaniels’ main mentor, but the time spent with diverse coaching minds opened his eyes.
“There are various methods to achieve success,” he remarked.
Of course, he was aware of that fact, yet witnessing it firsthand was a revelation.
Reflecting on his experiences, he expressed gratitude for the time spent with players and coaches, acknowledging their dedication to their craft.
As he absorbed knowledge, he recognized it would serve him well for future roles.
“I had no idea where it would lead,” he laughed.
In the end, it led him right back to New England, where Mike Vrabel had taken over as head coach.
Vrabel sought a trustworthy offensive coordinator to mentor young quarterback Drake Maye, the No. 3 pick in the 2024 draft, and immediately reached out to McDaniels.
With a fresh perspective, especially on modern quarterback development, McDaniels dove in fully, contributing to Maye’s growth into a Super Bowl contender in just his second year.
“Seeing how they operate and their approach to building a winning culture was fascinating for me,” McDaniels said. “Everyone is performing at a high level and winning consistently.”
This return to New England also reinforced a crucial truth for him.
Winning in the NFL relies on various factors, including ownership, structure, culture, talent, and coaching—but ultimately, accountability falls on him.
“If we don’t get the wins, that’s on us,” he stressed. “As a head coach in the NFL, providing a winning formula is the crucial responsibility.”
