Bill Belichick is coming off a 4-13 season, his worst in more than two decades as head coach of the New England Patriots.
With a 29-38 record and three non-playoff seasons in four years without Tom Brady, Belichick’s time in Foxboro might be coming to a close. An official decision has not been reached yet though, as he and owner Robert Kraft discuss the future of the franchise.
According to a report from Jeff Howe of The Athletic, should Belichick convince Kraft to keep him for 2024, it might mean a return to New England for Josh McDaniels.
“Belichick will need to lay out a firm plan to dramatically improve the on-field product after the Patriots’ worst record (4-13) of Kraft’s ownership,” Howe wrote. “Part of that plan may include a reunion with former Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, who is considered a candidate to return, sources close to the situation said.”
Josh McDaniels could return to Patriots if Bill Belichick remains as coach: Sources https://t.co/5s2kI3hGgK
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) January 9, 2024
McDaniels, who was fired as head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders midway through the season, was in attendance at the Patriots’ regular season finale against the New York Jets on Sunday.
A two-time failure as head coach of the Raiders and Denver Broncos, McDaniels has had two successful stints as OC in New England. The first was from 2006-08 and the second from 2012-21.
While it’s true he had Brady for almost all of his time with the Pats, McDaniels was able to coax a solid rookie season and a playoff appearance from Mac Jones in 2021, so perhaps he would have a similar affect on whoever New England likely drafts in the first round in 2024.