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Report: Josh McDaniels Likely to Join Patriots Immediately

Over the past couple of days, we've followed the rumors that former Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels could return to the team. Thursday night, it was reported that the Patriots would reach out to McDaniels. Friday, it was reported that the Rams wouldn't block a lateral move by McDaniels to New England or Kansas City, and that McDaniels would meet with the Patriots this weekend.

Now, in a story that has moved incredibly fast, it appears that Josh McDaniels will indeed be returning to the Patriots. The most surprising part of this news? McDaniels' return will be effective immediately.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Josh McDaniels is expected to be re-hired by the Patriots for the remainder of the 2011 postseason as an "offensive assistant coach." Following its conclusion, the Patriots are then expected to name McDaniels the team's offensive coordinator.

With current offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien recently accepting the vacant head coaching position at Penn State, McDaniels likely represents the best possible replacement for O'Brien. Since leaving the Patriots, McDaniels has gained valuable head coaching and personnel evaluating experience. He's still a very good coach, and the Patriots are fortunate to get him back. In fact, it wouldn't even be a stretch to say that McDaniels could potentially be an upgrade over Bill O'Brien.

McDaniels got the best out of Tom Brady and the Patriots offense in 2007, as we know he isn't afraid to take risks as a play caller. Bill O'Brien has been known to be a bit predictable, and McDaniels is anything but that. In addition, could provide a boost to Ryan Mallett and Bryan Hoyer's development at quarterback, as his development of Matt Cassel was a great story in 2008.

Of course, McDaniels isn't stepping into the offensive coordinator position quite yet. For the Patriots' playoff run, I think he can also provide some value. With St. Louis, McDaniels faced the Ravens, Steelers, Bengals, Packers, Saints, Giants, and 49ers - all playoff teams who the Patriots could potentially face somewhere down the line.

In addition, McDaniels can also help take some pressure off Bill O'Brien as he handles "double duty" with New England and Penn State. He's a good coach, and while adding a coach such as McDaniels could seem a bit unconventional, I can only see McDaniels helping the Patriots during their playoff run.

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I wasn’t crazy abou his return at first, but if he learns how to use Gronk and Herndo the result could be better than in 2007

by HailHoodie on Jan 7, 2012 12:37 PM EST via mobile reply actions  

Beat me by 3 minutes

Great news, in my opinion. He’ll be there with O’Brien, is familiar with Belichick’s system and is smart enough to get up to speed quickly.

Keep the faith!

by Marima on Jan 7, 2012 12:38 PM EST reply actions  

holy cow!

This might be the fastest moving story ever!

An additional strong football mind in the coaching circle can only be a good thing.

True wealth is a shelf full of unread books.

by Hometown Gyro on Jan 7, 2012 12:39 PM EST via mobile reply actions  

I love this so much it's hard to express it in words.

I can’t imagine he doesn’t take advantage of Gronk/Herndo. The fact is that last time ‘round it was Watson vs. Moss/Welker. The situations just can’t be compared.

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by Ben Buchanan on Jan 7, 2012 12:42 PM EST reply actions   1 recs

Love it...

He might get better production from ocho if not in the playoffs certainly next year. If Lloyd follows him to ne and why would be not, that solidifies the #2 wr and let’s branch n ocho share time as the third. Also Lloyd is leverage against welker chasing a huge payday. As much as I like welker, even stafford or big Ben aren’t talented enough to utiliZe his skill set. Welker needs a qb who throws based on expectation of him to be open not after he is visually open. He will be crap with anything but a great qb and world class with a great qb. Anyways if wes wants way too much split that cash between saw Lloyd and Wayne problem solved.

by gnatecolby on Jan 7, 2012 12:46 PM EST via mobile reply actions  

Branch is a FA. Can't imagine they bring him back if Lloyd comes over.

Really, money is the big issue in that. Lloyd would cost some cash, and with Welker – Herndo – Gronk – Ochocinco already on the payroll, I wonder if the team is willing to make that commitment.

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by Ben Buchanan on Jan 7, 2012 12:49 PM EST up reply actions  

Would have to be very cheap

And in the endcwould be about roster spots. Wr for the pats is best through FA as the draft hasn’t produced. Draft lineman as they have panned out better. I expect two interior lineman in the usual BB one early one late round. I like the idea of 3 good t, this we have, and 5-6 good interior lineman. Gonna protect the franchise.

by gnatecolby on Jan 7, 2012 3:55 PM EST via mobile up reply actions  

Hey, he's doing just fine for himself.

Who wouldn’t want a spot in the den of hedonism that is ESPN?

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by Ben Buchanan on Jan 7, 2012 12:49 PM EST up reply actions  

we must be cautious

New England Patriots: 11-3 against the Dolphins, Chargers, Bills, Raiders, Jets (x2), Cowboys, Steelers, Giants, Chiefs, Eagles, Colts, Redskins, and Broncos.

by freeland1787 on Jan 7, 2012 1:01 PM EST up reply actions  

love it

"I don't know. I'm making this up as I go."

by aja32 on Jan 7, 2012 1:04 PM EST up reply actions  

Gotta rec that.

As I read it, I heard Obi Wan’s voice. Made me laugh.

The more you know, the more you know that you don't know.
Some people can learn from the mistakes of others, while some people need to pee on the electric fence themselves.
Belichick is looking for a new name for his boat: VI Rings sounds pretty good.

by SlotMachinePlayer on Jan 7, 2012 1:55 PM EST up reply actions  

was thinking along the same lines

does Josh still wear the hoodies just like Bill?

Faith and Sports - an essay by Jeff Clark

by Jeff Clark on Jan 7, 2012 3:04 PM EST up reply actions  

I wonder just how active a role he will take.

I wouldn’t be surprised if he was in the booth instead of on the sidelines, at least for his first game back.

This might also reflect the fact that the Chiefs are keeping Crennel as head coach, and they probably made an offer to McD to be his offensive coordinator, maybe even assistant head coach.

by nbradley07 on Jan 7, 2012 1:01 PM EST reply actions  

Yesss..Bye Bye BOB

"Thirty-seven points on the best defense in the league, suck my d–k" - Bill Belichick

The Ryan Brothers: Two brother's who never played a down as an NFL player, Yet feel the need to trash talk like they are in the Hall Of Fame

by BostonBeasts on Jan 7, 2012 1:07 PM EST reply actions  

I didn't mind him at all, but then again

I don’t mind that he’s leaving either. This offense runs through Brady, regardless of what call gets made on the sideline.

by STBadly on Jan 7, 2012 1:10 PM EST up reply actions  

McDaniels - Initial evaluation

Two threads to consider:

1. McDaniels the coach. This is a great situation for The Pats. In any industry, one needs to be innovate and provide challenges. McDaniels has both elements. He could take this already potent offense and make it less predictable for next year.
2. McDaniels the talent evaluator. This is not so great. According to the “War Room” book, McDaniels was a strong voter for both Maroney and Chad Jackson. McDaniels draft record with the Broncos was also less than stellar.

If The Pats can keep McDaniels in the coaches booth / sideline, and away from the draft room, then this would be beneficial for our team.

by 4Patriots on Jan 7, 2012 1:20 PM EST reply actions  

this may help explain the dismal drafts from 2006-2008

New England Patriots: 11-3 against the Dolphins, Chargers, Bills, Raiders, Jets (x2), Cowboys, Steelers, Giants, Chiefs, Eagles, Colts, Redskins, and Broncos.

by freeland1787 on Jan 7, 2012 2:25 PM EST up reply actions  

One draft with the Broncos and he drafted 6 keepers out of 9

Maybe none of them are playing at an all-pro level, but that’s actually pretty good. I still think he overreached on Tebow, but other than that, not a bad draft. Not exceptional, but not bad.

by furiousd on Jan 7, 2012 3:27 PM EST up reply actions  

Fantastic analysis.

Love the fact that he’s faced so many playoff teams. Hopefully he can contribute right away!

by Richard Hill on Jan 7, 2012 1:50 PM EST reply actions  

I am only worried about chemistry. If BOB is there and Josh McD is there….

by quadruple option on Jan 7, 2012 2:00 PM EST reply actions  

I don't think it will be a problem

I’m sure they wouldn’t have brought him into the fold unless they knew everyone was on board. They wouldn’t have sacrificed this playoff run for McDaniels next year

by Timberg193 on Jan 7, 2012 2:12 PM EST up reply actions  

This is just awsome

couldn’t hope for a better situation especially with Lloyd likely to come in as a bonus. Its like getting a massive present and then realizing theres also a $1,000.00 gift-card in the bottom of the box!

Oh my god a floor zombie! Oh wait, thats you
- Toby Turner

by New Century Silver on Jan 7, 2012 2:01 PM EST reply actions  

Wishing we were playing this weekend so we can start our journey to SB win number 4!

This is goods news, but concerned with this year so don’t let him touch the glass!

by Yardpenalty.com on Jan 7, 2012 2:09 PM EST reply actions  

This is awesome, freaking awesome..

"There is an old saying about the strength of the wolf is the pack, and I think there is a lot of truth to that. On a football team, it's not the strength of the individual players, but it is the strength of the unit and how they all function together." - Bill Belichick

by JDot on Jan 7, 2012 2:17 PM EST reply actions  

wait

can someone tell me why we expect Lloyd to come to NE too?

"I don't know. I'm making this up as I go."

by aja32 on Jan 7, 2012 2:18 PM EST reply actions  

http://www.stlsportsminute.com/2011/12/brandon-lloyd-says-he-will-follow-josh.html

I can’t even lie about that. I’m tied to McDaniels. He uses me differently than other offensive coordinators used me in my entire career. He uses me as an every-play receiver. The short game, mid-range game, gimmick passes, deep balls."
“Because I want to be successful, and I want to earn whatever money I’m making. I want to be used in ways where I feel comfortable and I can be successful. And Josh knows how to do that.”

"There is an old saying about the strength of the wolf is the pack, and I think there is a lot of truth to that. On a football team, it's not the strength of the individual players, but it is the strength of the unit and how they all function together." - Bill Belichick

by JDot on Jan 7, 2012 2:20 PM EST up reply actions  

wow

well, makes sense.

Thanks for the info!

"I don't know. I'm making this up as I go."

by aja32 on Jan 7, 2012 2:21 PM EST up reply actions  

lloyd would be an excellent #2 if welker stays too

New England Patriots: 11-3 against the Dolphins, Chargers, Bills, Raiders, Jets (x2), Cowboys, Steelers, Giants, Chiefs, Eagles, Colts, Redskins, and Broncos.

by freeland1787 on Jan 7, 2012 2:31 PM EST up reply actions  

Brady wouldnt throw to Lloyd

"Thirty-seven points on the best defense in the league, suck my d–k" - Bill Belichick

The Ryan Brothers: Two brother's who never played a down as an NFL player, Yet feel the need to trash talk like they are in the Hall Of Fame

by BostonBeasts on Jan 7, 2012 2:36 PM EST up reply actions  

Why?

I learned how to make a sig just so it can say "DFA Darnell MacDonald". That means it must happen.

by Tai on Jan 7, 2012 3:09 PM EST up reply actions  

This is fantastic news, I can't believe how fast it moved

I really don’t expect we’ll hear anything of Josh’s name beyond this week, however. BOB is the OC, and will be making the calls until he’s gone. I think McD’s greatest impact will be in assisting Hoodie and BOB with making creative solutions to defensive formations. BB wouldn’t have brought Josh in if he thought it would create conflict. If anything, it’s definitely not going to hurt to have a really experienced mind in the coaches’ room with knowledge of gameplanning against certain teams.

the artist formerly known as amadeus

'I don't make my living by making my living. My time is so important that I can't compromise my taste- or my idea of what's right- simply to match someone else's view of what's a good, calculated move"- Robert Plant

contributing writer at www.HeadkickLegend.com and www.PatsPulpit.com

by Austin Martin on Jan 7, 2012 3:31 PM EST via mobile reply actions  

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