Coaching, one of the most overlooked points of team success to this day. A good coach can take a decent team and make it great, the same way a bad coach can take a great team and make it bad. While the head coaches of the world get at least a good amount of recognition, the coordinators and position coaches get little to no recognition otherwise. We have spoken previously about the top 10 defensive coordinators to coach in the NFL, so now, let us go to the other side and speak on who are the best to ever be an offensive coordinator.

It is first worth noting that we will be following the same format as last time in these rankings. This is based specifically on their tenure as an offensive coordinator, not as a head coach or otherwise. So while a coach such as Kyle Shanahan could make this list, it would be due to his time as an OC, not due to his current tenure as a head coach. So without further ado, let us begin with #10:

10. Kevin Gilbride – Offensive Coach for 22 seasons

Many people forget how exceptional of an offensive coach Kevin Gilbride was back in the 80s and 90s. He started off his career as a quarterbacks coach with the Houston Oilers, working with Warren Moon, and in their first season together Moon had 3,600+ passing yards and 23 touchdowns. After that, he would be named the offensive coordinator, and every year under his coaching they would finished top five in scoring.

He would go on to have a couple unsuccessful stints around the league, before landing with the team he is most well known for nowadays in the New York Giants. He started off as their quarterbacks coach from 2004-2006, working with Eli Manning before moving up to the offensive coordinator position. This first season at OC led to the largest moment of his career, where the Giants went 10-6, working their way through the playoffs including against one of the prime Green Bay Packers teams to make it to the Super Bowl. They would go on to win 17-14 against the undefeated New England Patriots, shocking the world and creating one of the biggest upsets in history. Gilbride would coach from 2006-2013 with the Giants as the OC, and four of those seasons the team would score 400+ points, signifying offensive success at least.

9. Greg Roman – Offensive Coach for 25 seasons

This one is a tough addition, but frankly, a deserving one overall. Greg Roman is known for two stints in his career primarily, those being with the San Francisco 49ers as OC from 2011-2014, and with the Baltimore Ravens as an assistant & an OC from 2018-2022. The primary reason Roman is on this list was his ability to truly utilize the tight end and quarterback positions to the best of his abilities.

In San Francisco, he was able to draw quality play out of Alex Smith and Colin Kaepernick to bring the team to three straight NFC Championships. Despite this being somewhat common with Kyle Shanahan now, getting success out of Jimmy Garoppolo and Brock Purdy, Roman was somewhat of the early version of that, being able to get the best out of his quarterbacks on the field. He employed a multi-TE system that was seen in San Francisco alongside a strong rushing attack, but then even moreso in Baltimore with many tight ends coming in their doors that were used correctly. Mark Andrews, Hayden Hurst, Nick Boyle, and more are included in that group. Roman was also crucial in the development of Lamar Jackson, creating the ability for Lamar to not just be a rusher, but also a quality passer.

8. Mike Martz – Offensive Coach for 13 seasons

The greatest show on turf. It does not get much more influential than that, creating one of the most dynamic and successful offenses in NFL history and scheming it so that all the great players could coexist is something special. This offense scored a whopping 526 points, fourth at the time in NFL history, and truly was a special season.

Rams’ head coach Dick Vermeil had the following to say about Martz, which really emphasizes how crucial he was:

“I can’t think, in my history of coaching, of any assistant who came into an NFL franchise and made the immediate impact that Mike Martz did.”

Vermeil would go on to say, “Kurt Warner came off the street, and he (Martz) made him NFL player of the year…I have great respect for him, and I think he has great respect for me. We took a team to the Super Bowl. Without him we don’t go.”

A head coach stating that if his OC was not on the team, then they would not have gone to the Super Bowl, is the greatest respect you can receive as a coordinator. It is absolutely well deserved for this one season alone. Martz would also go on to OC in Detroit, where he would coach Jon Kitna to his first 4,000 yard season at the age of 34.

7. Dan Henning – Offensive Coach for 22 seasons

Dan Henning is one of the longer tenured coaches in history, as a coordinator/offensive coach for 22 seasons and 32 seasons including his head coaching tenure. His most notable endeavor is with the Carolina Panthers from 2002-2006 however. Henning can be seen as a large part of the reason as to why Jake Delhomme was able to come into his own and succeed to the point where the Panthers would make the Super Bowl in 2003. The Panthers scored 325 points that season, and truly looked to be a quality unit overall.

The most notable moment of his career was his ability to help the Panthers put up 19 points in the fourth quarter of that Super Bowl to be able to keep up with the Patriots. While they did lose that game on a walk-off field goal from Adam Vinatieri, the fact that they were able to keep up with one of the most successful teams in football history was truly impressive nonetheless. He would also lead the Panthers to the NFC Championship Game in 2005, after putting up 23 points against the Giants in the Wild Card Round and 29 points on a stout Chicago Bears defense in the Divisional Round. While they did not ever win the big game with Henning, the success seen during his tenure, and the ability to develop Delhomme into a quality QB, is impressive.

6. Josh McDaniels – Offensive Coach for 16 seasons

Success is success, even if Bill Belichick and Tom Brady are the core pieces known for that success. McDaniels is a hard offensive coordinator to grade, as he was obviously crucial for the six super bowl wins he was a part of. However, he was also overshadowed on offense by the minds of Tom and Bill, who had a ton to do with offensive playcalling as well.

A nice median places Josh at 6th place. Working up from being a personnel assistant to being an offensive coordinator of one of the best offenses the league has seen is absolutely impressive, no doubt. The most obvious display of his talents in my opinion comes from two time periods, one of which was over the course of a season, and the other one singular game. Firstly, the 2008 season, where despite Tom Brady being injured in week 1, and missing all of the remaining season and postseason, McDaniels helped lead the Patriots to an 11-5 record with Matt Cassel. This was a playoff team in every sense except the technicality that got Miami into the playoffs over them, which was better conference record (8-4 to 7-5).

The other experience is the obvious one, 28-3. McDaniels helped lead the greatest playoff comeback we have ever seen, and up until recently the best comeback ever seen in the NFL. The Patriots would go into halftime down 21-63 and even were down 28-9 after three quarters. But then they would pull off the unthinkable, putting up 19 points in the 4th and shutting out Atlanta, going into overtime and scoring the game winning touchdown, ending it 34-28. Josh had a major part in that, and should receive credit for that fact.

5. Bill Walsh – Offensive Coach for 10 seasons

Bill Walsh makes this list for the opposite reasons of Josh McDaniels, those being contributions to the game via scheme building and capabilities to develop an offense around a quarterback with limitations. Bill Walsh, before his successful head coaching stint with the 49ers, was an even more influential offensive coordinator with the Cincinnati Bengals. Walsh worked under legendary coordinator/head coach Paul Brown, who we will mention later.

With this, Walsh came into an offense with Cincinnati’s new starting QB Virgil Carter, who was exceptionally mobile and a good short range passer, but did not have the arm strength to move the ball down the field. This led Walsh to create a modified offensive scheme, now known as the West Coast offense, a primary component of his success with the 49ers later. But this scheme relied heavily on short range horizontal passing, rather than long range vertical passing.

This allowed Virgil Carter to lead the league in completion percentage the following season (1971 – 62.2%) which despite being low by today’s standards, was extremely high for the time period. Walsh also helped create the successful scheme for Ken Anderson and Isaac Curtis. Overall, his time as a coordinator specifically was heavily influential for the NFL, as he single handedly changed how a QB could play the game of football forever.

4. Paul Brown – Offensive Coach for 25 seasons

Speaking of Paul Brown, let us delve into his career as well. This is a hard dignification to place on Paul Brown, as coordinators were not necessarily a thing back when he first began coaching in the 1940s. However, I believe it is crucial to place him on a list such as this, even if he is not specifically labeled as a coordinator. His ability to coach an offense, and his influence to the game of football, is unprecedented, and needs to be recognized. With that said, let us make the one exception due to the lack of clarity on actual coaching positions back in the 40s onwards.

Paul Brown was most well known for his 17 year tenure as a coach for the Cleveland Browns, and many different additions to the game of football. He was the first coach to ever hire a full team of assistant coaches, to use game film to scout opponents, and to test players on their playbook knowledge. Paul invented the “draw”, a form of offensive play in which a run is disguised as a pass, which is still used extensively in today’s offenses. He also helped to create the modern face mask, the practice squad, and played a crucial role in breaking the NFL’s color barrier.

The accolades roll in as well, 3x NFL champion, AP NFL coach of the year, Ring of Honor for both the Browns and Bengals, 213-104-9 record as a coach, and various other honors from UPI and Sporting News. While he was not necessarily liked by his players due to his strict nature of coaching, he truly modernized the game of football, and made offense what it is today with the draw.

3. Ted Marchibroda – Offensive Coach for 24 years

Ted Marchibroda is another intriguing one in terms of where his success lies, as he is most well known for his head coaching tenure with the Indianapolis Colts. However, he was an offensive coordinator or positional coach for 24 years outside that, and created some of the most influential offensive developments in league history.

Most of his developments came with the Buffalo Bills, where he would spend 4 seasons with head coach Marv Levy. Marchibroda was crucial in the development of the hurry-up offense, where with QB Jim Kelly, the offense would rush up to the line of scrimmage and minimize the time the defense had to make adjustments. This forced the league to create a rule allowing time for substitutions shortly thereafter.

The exact form the Bills used was called the “K-Gun offense”, which was extremely quick and prided itself in the ability to audible and get the ball out fast. In 3/4 of his seasons with Buffalo, they would make the playoffs, and in the last of them, they would make the Super Bowl, falling to the New York Giants. Despite a lack of direct success in the form of Super Bowls, his contributions to the game are amazing regardless, and were truly huge in how 2-minute drills are handled today.

2. Todd Haley – Offensive Coach for 19 seasons

Todd Haley is no doubt one of the most overlooked coordinators of all time, and was crucial to a few different teams and their success long term. He first off was crucial in the development of Tony Romo, and scheming that offense around their receivers who at the time were Terrell Owens and Terry Glenn. Haley was critical to the success of that Cowboys offense at the time, from 2004-2006.

His next tenure was his most notable however. He would join the coaching staff of Ken Whisenhunt, and would be part of the offensive staff that led the Cardinals to be near the top of the league in quite a few offensive categories. They were 4th in points for (427), 4th in yards (5,852), 6th in first downs (328), 1st in passes completed (418), 3rd in completion percentage (66.3%), 3rd in quarterback rating (96.1), and 3rd in receiving touchdowns (31). This was one of the more dominant passing offenses of all time, and that mainly came because Haley was able to get Kurt Warner back into form and resurrect his career in a sense.

Despite never winning a Super Bowl, he was a part of the 2008 Cardinals that nearly knocked off one of the most dominant renditions of the Pittsburgh Steelers we had ever seen, and scored 23 points against them in the game. He would go on to coach a couple other quality offenses, most notably the Pittsburgh Steelers from 2012-2017.

1. Norv Turner – Offensive Coach for 20 seasons

Number one is one of the most influential offensive figures in football to date, learning from one of the greatest to do it, that being Jimmy Johnson. Norv was the offensive coordinator to both of Dallas’ back to back ’92-’93 Super Bowls, and was enormous in the ability to win those. Norv was a large reason as to why Troy Aikman developed into who he became, as he was able to scheme the offense to the strengths of Aikman’s game, and make the Cowboys truly dominant on that side of the ball.

In terms of development, he was also a great developmental factor in the game of all-time leading rusher Emmitt Smith. Smith would lead the league all three of the seasons Norv Turner was with Dallas, this was the first time the team with the leading rusher had ever won the Super Bowl. It happened twice under Norv. On top of that, when Emmitt ran for 100+ yards while Norv was on the team, the Cowboys were 21-1 in the regular season and 5-0 in the playoffs.

The third part of the offense was Michael Irvin, who never finished below 2nd in the NFL in receiving yards while Turner was on the staff.

When he came into Dallas, the Cowboys had the worst offense in terms of total yards (255.1 YPG) and points per game (15.2 PPG). By the end of his first season, 1991, the Cowboys were 9th in total yards per game (318.8 YPG) and scoring (21.4 PPG). They would then go up even further in 1992, as signified by their success, with 350.9 yards per game and 23.5 PPG (4th in both).

During his Dallas tenure alone, he saw 2 division title wins, 2 NFC Championships, 3 rushing titles, 1 MVP, and 2 Super Bowl victories, in three seasons.

Norv had influence, success, capability, and longevity, going on to coordinate for the Chargers, Dolphins, 49ers, Browns, Vikings, and Panthers in the remainder of his career. But Dallas will always be something enormously special, and he was able to combine all the components you look for in a coordinator to be the best on this list.

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Las Vegas Raiders

One of the biggest moves of the day was the Raiders signing quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. This move made sense for a bunch of reasons. The obvious one is the connection with head coach Josh McDainels. On top of that the Raiders offense is full of weapons. Josh Jacobs is coming back on the franchise tag. You have one of the best receivers in the game in Davante Adams and if Darren Waller is healthy watch out. The Raiders also made another sneaky good move this morning acquiring former Patriots stand out Jakobi Meyers. Adams, Meyers and Hunter Renfrow on paper can be one of the best wide receiver groups in the league.

Chicago Bears

The Bears are having an excellent offseason. Not only did they get a haul of picks for the #1 pick in this year’s draft they also acquired stud WR D.J. Moore in the deal. On Monday the Bears worked to sure up one of their biggest weaknesses by acquiring two stud linebackers. Tremaine Edmunds was arguably the best linebacker available and he signed a 4 year deal with Chicago. They also signed LB T.J. Edwards who was a solid piece for the Eagles defense last year. I still expect the Bears to pick up some offensive lineman in the coming weeks.

Atlanta Falcons

Another team that impressed on day 1 of NFL free agency was the Falcons. Early in the day they acquired TE Jonnu Smith from the Patriots while only giving up a 7th round pick. I am really intrigued on how Smith will fit with Kyle Pitts and expect the duo to work well together. Later in the day the Falcons signed former Bengals S Jessie Bates. Bates is underrated in my opinion. He is an excellent safety whom is great against the run. The Falcons were not done as early this morning they picked up QB Taylor Heinicke on a 2 year deal. Heinicke showed in Washington he is an excellent back up that can be called upon if needed to win big games.

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By: Jake Rajala

The Las Vegas Raiders undoubtedly aren’t a scary Halloween face at the cusp of 2-5. The tale of Josh McDaniels blundering out of Bill Belichick’s kingdom has continued.

After McDaniels was canned from his HC gig with the Denver Broncos, the former sage to Tom Brady has had a miserable start with LV in 2022. With that enunciated, it would be far from a surprise if the Raiders cut ties with McDaniels. Hence, I’m going to untwine potential head coach candidates for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2023.

• Eric Bieniemy

A mastermind behind Patrick Mahomes’s unearhtly success should eventually land an HC offer. Bieniemy hasn’t only helped Mahomes win a Super Bowl and MVP trophy, but he’s assisted Mahomes in being a cream-of-the-crop QB without Tyreek Hill. With Carr, Josh Jacobs, Davante Adams, and Darren Waller, it would still be wise to prioritize an offensive-minded, ring-leader.

• Sean Payton

Sean Payton may be in love with the Los Angeles Chargers, but the Raiders have to in his list of Top-3 crushes. Payton will be able to do wonders with the Raiders passing offense & he could enjoy the benefits of a very passionate fan base in the sin city (similar to the Big Easy). Although, he would need to jolt the Raiders defense — as he also constantly needed to improve the Saints defense.

• Ken Dorsey

The fiery (to say the least) mind behind Josh Allen, Ken Dorsey, has been unbelievable this season. The Bills rank second in PPG, sixth in passing yards, and second in passing touchdowns. Dorsey doesn’t have the same breath of experience as Payton, but he will be an attractive target for many teams in the 2023 off-season — especially if he obtains a Super Bowl ring.

• Jim Caldwell

Jim Caldwell is still a very sharp football mind and he will certainly be an HC candidate in 2023 — as SideLion report noted. Caldwell was almost the Bears HC in 2022, but they opted to ride with Matt Eberflus. Caldwell has a modest career record of 62-50.

• Mike Zimmer

Mike Zimmer could bring a lot of energy to the Raiders defense — which already carries impressive edge rushers like Maxx Crosby & Chandler Jones. The Raiders could potentially be more dangerous and well-balanced with a defensive mind like Zimmer (who could make a significant difference to the defense), while a heap of talent remains on offense.

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By: Jake Rajala

The Las Vegas Raiders have officially undergone a workout with the former NFC Champion Colin Kaepernick. With that said, I’m going to untwine three reasons why Kap could be a quality fit for the Black and Silver.

Unique QB

I believe Josh McDaniels is staying creative in late May and he is simply interested in Kap because he is one of the best athletes in the FA pool. McDaniels could be in awe of the ability to use Kap as a “Taysom Hill-like QB” in the Raiders offense. Interestingly, the Pats were rumored to be potential suitors for Taysom Hill in the 2020 off-season. Kap could be an x-factor in the Raiders offense in pivotal AFC West clashes moving forward.

Potential QB2

Kap may offer immediate production as a gadget player in LV, but he could also be the pivotal back-up QB in the Raiders offense. After Marcus Mariota left for the Falcons, an empty chair was created in the QB2 spot for LV. The current QB2 is potentially Nick Mullens, who is 2-7 over his last nine starts (0-1 as a Brown and 2-6 as a 49er). The other QB2 competitor is Jarrett Stidham – and Stidham (2 TDs, 4 INTs) is far from a sexy option. Kap may be able to oust more plays than either potential QB2 with the Raiders weapons.

Low-risk acquisition

Kap would most likely sign a fairly cheap contract with the Raiders, so he wouldn’t be a risky signing. If he doesn’t impress in a Raiders uniform, they could cut ties with him at any point in a non-stressful manner. McDaniels worked with Tim Tebow in a prior training camp and he was able to move on from him without concern. If the Kaerpnick experiment doesn’t come to fruition, it wouldn’t essentially be a concern for the Raiders cap space.

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By: Jake Rajala

The Las Vegas Raiders unsung wide receiver Hunter Renfrow went from a Willie Snead-like slot WR in his first two seasons to a Pro Bowl slot weapon for Derek Carr in 2022. Renfrow recorded career-high marks in receptions (103), targets (128), yds (1,038), and touchdowns (9). Hence, Renfrow was a quality fantasy choice (averaging roughly 15 pts in PPR) in 2021.

Renfrow was a nice breakout player in 2022, but it’s not a secret that it may be hard for him to be a Pro Bowl-caliber player moving forward. He will be joined by Davante Adams, who was the second-most targeted WR in 2021. Adams is one of the rarest WRs in NFL history that should be able excel beyond age 30 (similar to Reggie Wayne, Randy Moss, and Chad Ochocinco). Renfrow will benefit from superb match-ups, but Tae will demand infinite targets in shoot-out contests against AFC West opponents for many years to come.

It should also be noted that Darren Waller missed six games in 2021, which resulted in him having his worst season as a Raider. Expect Waller to be healthy and also wreaking havoc from the slot, as Silver and Black Pride reported.

I don’t love the long-term outlook with Renfrow to say the least. I expect him to remain a Raider and a part of Carr’s quest to win a Super Bowl, but I don’t believe Renfrow will enjoy a “Jarvis Landry-like” career after his coming out party in 2021. I do believe that Waller’s impact from the slot will quietly hurt Renfrow’s ability, too. Josh McDaniels loves to utilize athletic TEs to their fullest ability (cough, cough Robert Gronkowski).

Renfrow’s 2022 season wasn’t cute, but it will be hard for him to have 128 targets per season or overly impressive individual game performances (like many game performances by Ja’Marr Chase). The 24-year-old is young, on a quality offense, and enjoying a peak moment, so he should be traded away in the dynasty world.

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By: Jake Rajala

The Las Vegas Raiders have yielded an impressive offensive unit over the past few seasons. Derek Carr, Josh Jacobs, and Darren Waller have really been an impressive offensive trio over the past few seasons. The Raiders offense led out by LV’s new coach Josh McDaniels will become more explosive next season with the arrival of Derek Carr’s best friend Davante Adams, as well.

It’s safe to say that Carr should have a very productive season with Tae, but I believe Jacob’s outlook is a bit mysterious in the Raiders breathtaking offense. Jacobs is also coming off his least productive season in rushing yards (872 yards).

It’s clear that Kenyan Drake’s presence put a slight dent in Jacob’s production last season. He had 63 carries, which is a big reason why the Raiders RB1 had a career-low 217 rushing attempts. Unfortunately, Jacobs wasn’t a threat with his YPC (4.0). Although, was very dangerous in space as a runner in 2021 and he’s been impossible to bring down since 2019. According to Pro Football Focus, he has 2,229 yards after contract (fifth in the league) and he’s forced 177 missed tackles (second in the league).

Jacobs also has 28 rushing touchdowns in the past three seasons combined. He’s a bruising force in the red zone and a chain-mover between the red zones.

I believe Jacobs has a terrific floor and he could really have a high ceiling with Tae in the Raiders offense. It will be impossible for defenses to load the box with the Adams, Waller, and Hunter Renfrow. Jacobs should be much more efficient and his YPC should be similar to his rookie season (4.8 in 13 games) with all of the Raiders weaponry surrounding Jacobs. McDaniels and his methodical offense will be more creative than Gruden for the Raiders offense in my opinion, too. I also still expect Jacobs to be more efficient with Drake in the backfield and the arrival of Brandon Bolden (who is replacing Jalen Richard).

I would absolutely trade for Jacobs right now. I believe he hasn’t peaked yet and we should really see him elevate in the Raiders new-look offense. Jacobs turned 24 in February and he should have many more seasons of high performance. Nick Chubb is 26 and arguably coming off his most productive season. Derrick Henry was 26 when he won Offensive Player of The Year. I expect the golden years of Jacobs to be in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

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Josh McDaniels is going to come out guns blazing in 2022 after receiving his second head coaching stint. According to NBC Sports, McDaniels stated “Raiders have no time for rebuilding”. McDaniels is more serious about adding firepower to Carr’s arsenal than Gregg Williams’s mission to demolish Carr on his last coaching play in the NFL.

I don’t only expect McDaniels to bring over Carr’s old buddy Davante Adams (who recently bought a house in LV), but I expect him to target magical offensive profiles like the Ohio State stud Chris Olave in 2022 NFL Draft. Meanwhile, they should also look at free agency to add CB, DL, and OL talent.

McDaniels knows that Derek Carr, Josh Jacobs, and Darren Waller are a top-notch trio and that Carr is honestly capable of winning a Super Bowl. It’s also crystal clear that Carr is the former Patriots offensive coordinator’s guy moving forward. His goal is to improve a team that plays in the wild AFC West, where Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert reside and elevate a squad that barely lost in the playoffs to the recent AFC Champions in the Cincinnati Bengals. Carr has the keys to the engine.

Olave is more likely to be available for the Raiders at pick 22 than Drake London, Jameson Williams, or Garrett Wilson in my opinion, as well. He would also be an excellent fit and Day 1 starter for the Raiders. He’s arguably the best route runner in the 2022 WR draft class, which is perfect for the Raiders methodical offense.

He isn’t only a slick route runner, but he recently clocked a blistering 40 yard dash time of 4.39 seconds. He’s been compared to the likes of Terry McLaurin and Chris Godwin, which really displays how special his combination of route running and speed is. I believe his floor is incredible and that should please teams like the Raiders and Saints, who are chasing a Super Bowl in the near future.

If McDaniels wasn’t head over heels by his NFL combine performance and college tape, he should feel a superb amount of bliss after hearing Olave recently state he would like to play with the Raiders. The mutual fit and interest are quite impressive between the hungry AFC West squad and the Ohio State playmaker McDaniels could truly ink another prominent, young weapon in Olave when the draft is underway in Vegas in 53 days.

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By: Pat Pitts

All good things must come to an end. Nothing lasts forever. When one door closes, another one opens. 

Whatever phrase you want to use, it doesn’t make it hurt any less for Patriots fans. Bill Belichick’s time as head coach has begun to wind down. Brady won without Belichick, but could the opposite happen? That is a question for another time. 

I am here to answer another question””a question sitting on the sidelines for too long. 

No one wants to think about it. The Patriots added a ton of star power during the offseason. Belichick is not leaving anytime soon. However, a particular coordinator refused to accept the Colts head coaching vacancy after taking it hours before. Also, Belichick brought back a former coordinator on his coaching staff after a disastrous first try at being a head coach. They returned with a purpose. 

Josh McDaniels will be the next head coach of the New England Patriots. It’s the obvious answer to the giant elephant in the room. Belichick cannot coach forever; he knows that. He has been planning this for a long time. McDaniels is the prodigal son; what other reason is there for him returning to New England in 2012?

How long has McDaniels coached under Belichick?

In 2001, the New England Patriots shocked the world, winning their first Super Bowl in franchise history against “The Greatest Show on Turf.” It was also the same year Josh McDaniels became a coach in the NFL. First, McDaniels coached under Belichick as a Personnel Assistant, eventually moving up to QBs coach. 

McDaniels has witnessed coordinator after coordinator receives head coaching jobs, so he decided to get one himself. In 2009, he became the head coach of the Denver Broncos. He started 6-0, including defeating his former boss at Mile High. Unfortunately, McDaniels celebrated the victory a bit too hard. 

It was Week 5. Not the best look for a rookie head coach. Even Belichick would agree. 

His looks speak volumes. He cannot believe what he is watching. The face seems to give off an impression of doubt McDaniels took on such a big job too soon in his carrer.

 Ironically, this would be McDaniel’s peak moment of his season. The Broncos started losing, eventually missing the playoffs. McDaniels was fired after the 2010 season. 

McDaniels returned to coaching in a different role under the famous Steve Spagnuolo in St.Louis, then picked back up by Papa Belichick in 2012. His plan began to formulate in fruition. The next head coach of the Patriots was back in the building. 

McDaniels returned to his former role with the addition of play calling in 2012. Belichick knew how to get the best out of his coaches, especially McDaniels. He had his old job back but tacked on with the most critical role on gameday, calling plays for the greatest quarterback of all time. He added more hardware to his shelf, winning three more Lombardis in four appearances to the Super Bowl in five years. Insanity. 

As I mentioned above, McDaniels has seen it throughout his time in New England. He returned for a specific reason. He was being groomed to take over for Belichick. I have been saying it for the past few seasons. The writing is on the wall; I cannot be the only person reading it, right?

Why is McDaniels interviewing for other teams then?

It is the first thing I am asked when I bring the topic up in conversation. Josh McDaniels interviewed for multiple head coaching jobs since the Patriots’ second dynasty began in 2014. In fact, Josh McDaniels accepted the Colts head coach vacancy in 2019, which he backed out of the day before he would be sworn into office. A very Belichick move by one of his soldiers; did McDaniels have the same intentions?

In January 2020, Sports Illustrated writer Devon Clements wrote about the incident, noting how he declined at the last minute because Kraft wanted him to be the heir to the throne. However, the reason was debunked by NFL personality Albert Breer, stating how it had to do with football logistics, meaning its day-to-day operations. There was a disagreement; McDaniels walked away. 

Since then, McDaniels has interviewed for head coaching jobs but has not accepted one. It was even reported that Belichick refused McDaniels to move up head coach interviews a week, even though They lost in the Wild Card round already. Why?

Belichick is playing a mind game with the NFL. He always wants to have the upper hand. So allowing McDaniels to interview for jobs signals to other teams McDaniels is not off-limits. However, the actual interview begins after McDaniels sits down for his interviews. 

The interviews are just more opportunities for McDaniels to gain experience. Belichick knows this and wants to see how much he retained. Also, it will get a sense of how they can improve their offense within the talks. 

The New England Patriots are transitioning into a new beginning. Brady returns to Gillette in another uniform in October. Belichick turns 70 in a year. McDaniels brings the perfect amount of old school and a contemporary era. When he turned down the Colts’ head coaching job, he accepted another one. I believe McDaniels will carry on Belichick’s legacy with honor and even a few more Lombardis to add to the stadium’s hall of fame. Who else to bring Patriots Nation into the next chapter than someone who has been there throughout it all. It makes sense; don’t overthink it.

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