Remember Josh McDaniels? The three-time Patriots champion’s offensive coordinator is a native of New England.

Josh McDaniels is a name that resonates deeply in the history of the New England Patriots. As the offensive coordinator under Bill Belichick, McDaniels played a pivotal role in shaping one of the most potent offenses in the NFL during his time with the Patriots. His innovative schemes and work with future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady helped propel New England to three Super Bowl victories, solidifying McDaniels as one of the most influential coaches in the league.

But McDaniels’ story in New England isn’t just about his success in helping the Patriots win championships; it’s also about his roots, his career evolution, and his subsequent stints as head coach in the NFL. For Patriots fans, McDaniels represents a figure of both nostalgia and mixed emotions, given the highs of his tenure and his eventual departure to pursue other opportunities.

In this article, we will look back on McDaniels’ remarkable journey, from his beginnings in New England to his rise within the Patriots’ organization, and his eventual transition to a head coach in the NFL. We’ll also analyze his impact on the Patriots and the coaching world, including his return to the team after a series of challenges. Through his experiences, McDaniels has come full circle, making a lasting impression on the NFL landscape.

1. Early Life and Roots in New England

Josh McDaniels was born in 1976 in Barberton, Ohio, but his deep connection to the New England Patriots and the region began when he moved to the area. Growing up in a football-centric family, McDaniels had early exposure to the game, thanks to his father, Thom McDaniels, who was a longtime football coach. This background gave Josh an understanding of the intricacies of football strategy from a young age.

McDaniels’ first exposure to coaching came during his college years at John Carroll University, where he played as a quarterback. His academic and athletic abilities helped him form strong relationships with his coaches and teammates, setting the stage for his transition into coaching. After graduating, McDaniels joined the staff of his alma mater as an assistant, but it was his move into the NFL that would truly define his career.

2. McDaniels’ Entry into the NFL: A Rising Star in New England

Josh McDaniels joined the NFL as a personnel assistant with the New England Patriots in 2001, the same year that the team won its first Super Bowl under Bill Belichick. It was here that McDaniels began to build his coaching foundation, learning from the best in the business. He quickly rose through the ranks, transitioning to a coaching role as the quarterbacks coach in 2004.

At the time, the Patriots were already a dynasty in the making, and McDaniels’ ability to work with quarterback Tom Brady proved to be a key factor in New England’s success. Brady, who was already establishing himself as one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks, flourished under McDaniels’ guidance. McDaniels played a significant role in refining Brady’s skills, including his decision-making, footwork, and understanding of the game’s complexities. This partnership helped create one of the most dynamic duos in NFL history.

3. A Steep Rise and a Super Bowl Legacy

By 2006, McDaniels had earned a reputation as one of the brightest young minds in the NFL. After the departure of Charlie Weis, McDaniels was promoted to offensive coordinator at the age of 30. His age and relative inexperience at such a prestigious role raised eyebrows, but his performance would quickly silence any skeptics. Under his guidance, the Patriots’ offense became one of the most explosive units in the league.

In 2007, McDaniels and Brady orchestrated an offensive juggernaut that nearly led the Patriots to a perfect season. The team’s 16-0 regular-season record was the first of its kind in NFL history, with the offense setting several records along the way. While the Patriots fell short in the Super Bowl that year, McDaniels’ schemes and offensive philosophy were clearly ahead of the curve.

The 2010s saw McDaniels and the Patriots continue to dominate, with McDaniels developing new wrinkles in the offense to keep defenses off balance. Whether it was utilizing tight ends like Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez or finding new ways to incorporate running backs into the passing game, McDaniels was always at the forefront of offensive innovation. His ability to adapt and adjust was a key factor in New England’s ability to win three Super Bowls during the 2010s (2014, 2016, and 2018).

4. McDaniels as a Head Coach: A Mixed Bag

McDaniels’ success as offensive coordinator with the Patriots eventually led to his opportunity to become a head coach in the NFL. In 2009, he was hired by the Denver Broncos as their head coach, but his time in Denver was far from smooth. McDaniels’ tenure was marked by a series of controversial decisions, including the trade of quarterback Jay Cutler and issues with team chemistry. Though McDaniels had initial success, including a 6-0 start to the 2010 season, the Broncos ultimately parted ways with him after just two seasons.

McDaniels’ time with the Broncos was a learning experience that shaped his coaching philosophy. His stint was filled with growing pains, but it also taught him valuable lessons about leadership, communication, and the importance of building a cohesive team. After his dismissal in Denver, McDaniels returned to the Patriots in 2012, where he resumed his role as offensive coordinator. Over the next several seasons, he helped the team maintain its offensive efficiency, helping them win multiple Super Bowls during this time.

Despite his success in New England, McDaniels would again receive head coaching opportunities. He was named head coach of the Indianapolis Colts in 2018, but famously backed out of the deal before officially taking the position. This decision raised many eyebrows around the league, but McDaniels’ decision to stay in New England eventually paid off when he returned to the Patriots after the Colts’ coaching search resumed.

5. Return to New England and the Evolution of the Patriots’ Offense

Upon McDaniels’ return to New England, he continued to be a critical part of the Patriots’ offensive schemes. His relationship with Brady remained strong, and he helped guide the team through its changing offensive landscape, especially after the departure of key players and the arrival of younger talent.

However, McDaniels’ role within the Patriots’ coaching staff evolved as the team entered a new phase, especially after the departure of Tom Brady in 2020. While Brady’s departure left a significant void, McDaniels remained a trusted figure within the organization, working to develop quarterback Mac Jones and fine-tuning the offensive system to fit his strengths. The evolution of the Patriots’ offense under McDaniels was key to their attempts to stay competitive in the post-Brady era.

In 2021, McDaniels once again demonstrated his ability to adjust to new challenges, even with the changes at quarterback and personnel. While the Patriots did not immediately return to their championship-contending form, McDaniels was credited with helping the team make progress, especially with the rookie quarterback.

6. Legacy and Influence on the NFL

Josh McDaniels’ impact on the New England Patriots—and the NFL as a whole—cannot be overstated. He has been instrumental in crafting one of the most successful and innovative offenses in league history. His work with Tom Brady is a testament to his ability to adapt his systems to the strengths of his players, and it has influenced coaching staffs across the league.

Despite his mixed experiences as a head coach, McDaniels remains a respected figure in the NFL coaching community. His reputation for being a mastermind of offensive schemes continues to precede him, and his ability to develop and mentor quarterbacks has made him one of the most sought-after offensive minds in the league.

7. What’s Next for Josh McDaniels?

As of 2025, McDaniels finds himself once again in the midst of a new chapter. Having previously interviewed for head coaching jobs, McDaniels remains a highly regarded offensive coordinator and could once again find himself in demand for a head coach position, should the right opportunity arise.

As the NFL continues to evolve and place a greater emphasis on offensive play-calling, McDaniels’ ability to innovate will remain a key asset. Whether with the Patriots or another team, McDaniels’ experience and expertise will continue to shape his legacy.