Josh McDaniels is back in the AFC championship game, this time as the offensive coordinator of the New England Patriots. A win Sunday in Denver would send him to his seventh Super Bowl and fourth as a play-caller. It’s a familiar stage for McDaniels, who has been part of six Super Bowl wins in New England, three as offensive coordinator.
His success in that role stands in stark contrast to his head-coaching stints. McDaniels went 9-16 with the Raiders over parts of two seasons before being fired, part of a six-year contract. His tenure in Denver was similarly disappointing, finishing 11-17 over parts of two seasons. Both times, he struggled with personnel decisions, in-game management, and connecting with players.
“Beyond grateful,” McDaniels told ESPN. “This has been a really special place in my professional career, but not just that, in my personal life. My kids, my wife, my family has really grown up and been raised here in New England. To have this opportunity to be with Mike in this place, and to be around this group of people every day, there’s a lot of joy in it.”
McDaniels returned to the Patriots this season to work under head coach Mike Vrabel. He has helped second-year quarterback Drake Maye develop into an MVP finalist. The two have forged a strong relationship that has been key to New England’s run.
The Raiders hired McDaniels in 2022, with owner Mark Davis saying at the time, “In watching it and being around this sport for a long time and watching, I’ve seen the excellence that was brought to the field by the Patriot organization.” But the Patriot Way didn’t translate. The Raiders started 0-3 under McDaniels, including blowing a 20-point lead to the Arizona Cardinals — the largest blown lead in franchise history. A month later, they were shut out 24-0 by the New Orleans Saints, their first shutout since 2014.
McDaniels is the latest example of a coordinator who excels in that role but fails as a head coach, joining the likes of Norv Turner, Wade Phillips, and Romeo Crennel. Given his track record, he may never leave the coordinator role again. It’s where he fits best.
