Josh McDaniels is expected to reunite with coach Mike Vrabel as the new offensive coordinator for the New England Patriots.
ESPN’s Mike Reiss reported on Tuesday that McDaniels is returning for a third stint with the Patriots. It’s a move that has been mostly applauded by Patriots fans.
However, there are some skeptics considering how bad the offense has looked over the last three seasons. Some were hoping for a new offensive mind entirely to get away from the Bill Belichick way of doing things.
That sentiment is understandable, but then again, the Patriots shouldn’t change simply for the sake of changing. McDaniels is an incredible offensive coordinator, even though that didn’t translate into him being a good head coach.
There is also a serious comfort level already in place with Vrabel. That familiarity and working relationship will be important for the team to get up and running right out of the gates.
It’s important to keep in mind that the Patriots aren’t necessarily a desired destination for would-be coaches right now. Sure, they have a promising up-and-comer with Drake Maye at quarterback, but they need to put the right pieces around him to give the offense a fighting chance.
It makes more sense for Vrabel to hire an experienced coach like McDaniels over making a promising newcomer a first-time offensive coordinator. The Patriots don’t have time to play those sorts of games with their recent track record.
McDaniels had Mac Jones playing at a Pro Bowl level as a rookie quarterback.
Imagine what he could do with Maye.
The Patriots must get this hire right because they are committing the cardinal sin of making an offensive coordinator change on a young quarterback. That didn’t turn out so well for former Patriots quarterback Mac Jones, who was never the same after McDaniels left.
It’s a piece of history the team never wants to repeat.