Colts intend to hire Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels after latest interview; Joe Judge potential departure too

With the Super Bowl being played two weeks after the conference finals, the New England Patriots coaching staff has a short window to conduct interviews for potential head coaching openings. Only one such opening is left – the Indianapolis Colts' – and it appears likely that it will be filled by Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Colts intend to extend an offer to McDaniels:

After Friday’s meeting, the Colts intend to hire Patriots’ OC Josh McDaniels as their HC after Super Bowl LII, per sources.

Patriots expected to lose OC to Colts, DC Matt Patricia to Lions, while respected special teams coordinator Joe Judge on expiring contract. Changes.

The Colts would be the second head coaching gig of McDaniels's career. The 41-year old, who is in his ninth overall season as New England’s offensive coordinator, was head coach of the Denver Broncos from 2009 through midway during the 2010 season. Once he leaves New England, wide receivers coach Chad O’Shea is expected to take over as offensive coordinator.

As Schefter notes, McDaniels is the second coordinator New England is expected to lose – defensive coordinator Matt Patricia is all but certain to join the Detroit Lions – and there is a realistic scenario that a third coordinator leaves as well. Special teams coordinator Joe Judge, whose contract expired after the Super Bowl, is a candidate to join Patricia in Detroit. His replacement would likely be current assistant Ray Ventrone.