Even though the New England Patriots are currently on their bye week, the team is still busy. After all, it still held practices this week – as opposed to the number two seed in the AFC – and is already preparing for whoever the upcoming opponent will be. The bye is also a busy time for the team’s two coordinators: Josh McDaniels and Matt Patricia both have interviews to potentially fill head coaching vacancies this weekend.
McDaniels’ will take place today: The Los Angeles Rams, Jacksonville Jaguars and San Francisco 49ers will all visit New England to talk to the Patriots’ offensive coordinator. And according to SF Gate’s Eric Branch, the latter are the favorites to land McDaniels, who is “probably ready” to become a head coach again.
According to the report, McDaniels likes the fact that the 49ers offer “a clean-slate situation” while team CEO Jed York is reportedly committed to a patient rebuilding process. After all, the team is not only looking for a new head coach but a new general manager as well — and Patriots Director of Player Personnel Nick Caserio is a potential option to fill that role.
Then again, the report might have to be taken with a grain of salt. After all, it is likely that Branch’s source is closer to the 49ers than to the Patriots or McDaniels. And until McDaniels actually talked to the three teams he is meeting today, all reports and leaks seem rather speculative. He might indeed have a preference now, but it all could change today.