Perhaps the Patriots might try to undo it instead of starting a new chapter.
Former offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, who was fired as the Raiders' head coach in October, could be an option to return if coach Robert Kraft decides to keep Bill Belichick as head coach. . According to The Athletic.
Reports surfaced that Kraft was expected to part ways with Belichick near the end of the season, but the newspaper reported that the two sides would have “initial discussions” on Monday, followed by “at least” one more meeting.
McDaniels could step in there.
He previously served as Belichick's offensive coordinator from 2006-08 and 2012-21, leaving after the 2021 season to become the Raiders' head coach.
That decision backfired, with Las Vegas finishing 6-11 in 2022 (just short of a postseason berth) and starting 2023 with the addition of Jimmy Garoppolo, star receiver Davante Adams and running back Davante Adams. Despite the return of Josh Jacobs, they started 3-5. before owner Mark Davis fired McDaniels.
But when Belichick and McDaniels paired in New England, where McDaniels joined as a personnel assistant in 2001, they overlapped in six Super Bowls and, along with quarterback Tom Brady, in running the Patriots dynasty. played an important role.
But the Patriots have struggled this year, going 4-13 and hitting multiple lows during Belichick's tenure, with former first-round pick Mac Jones benched and a 4-13 loss in Week 18. He faced the quarterback dilemma of being suspended.
In Sunday's final loss, the Jets snapped a 15-game losing streak against the Patriots with a 17-3 victory, holding backup quarterback Bailey Zappe to just 88 passing yards and two interceptions.
Belichick didn't speculate much about his future with the team on Sunday or Monday, but in his season-ending press conference he said he was “just part of the team” and was relinquishing his control over football operations. He hinted that he might be positive. Patriots process.
“I agree that what we collectively decided as an organization is the best way to help our football team,” Belichick told reporters. “I have multiple roles in it and I have many people helping me fulfill my responsibilities. Someone has to have the final say. I have it. , I am counting on the help of many others.”
According to The Athletic, Kraft has not yet made a decision regarding Belichick.
Belichick's time with the Patriots is probably over.
But for now, a McDaniel twist could add to the series' complicated status quo, involving a character The Athletic described as “one of the organization's favorite members of the craft.”
