NFL Insider Offers New Intel On Patriots Offensive Coordinator Search

It doesn’t seem like the New England Patriots are in a rush to select an offensive coordinator.

Is it possible that Bill Belichick is coaching the Falcons and bringing both former and current Patriots coaches to Atlanta, and the Patriots are simply waiting for the domino effect to fall?

Not discounting that possibility, NFL insider Jeff Howe of The Athletic thinks Atlanta’s choice on Belichick may ultimately determine the path the Patriots take in choosing their next offensive coordinator.

Howe stated to Andrew Callahan on Tuesday’s “Pats Interference” podcast, “I think there’s a very strong chance he brings (Josh) McDaniels with him if Belichick gets the Falcons job.” “McDaniels likely rises to the top of the Patriots’ roster if Belichick is not hired by the Falcons.”

Naturally, McDaniels has strong links to the Patriots, having worked as New England’s offensive coordinator for 13 seasons across two stints before being dismissed by the Raiders in the middle of the season.

His success in that capacity and his connection with the Patriots make him a strong candidate to return when Jerod Mayo takes over. However, some rumors indicate that there may not be a reunion between McDaniels and the Patriots. Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated even said that McDaniels would sign with the Texans if Bobby Slowik, the current offensive coordinator for Houston, is hired as head coach.

 

However, the Patriots’ decision to sack McDaniels suggests that they will likely continue with their offensive scheme, which has proven successful in the past despite failing miserably the last two seasons under McDaniels in Las Vegas, rather than adopting the popular Sean McVay-style scheme.

The Rams’ Nick Caley, an eight-season New England player, and Zac Robinson, their quarterback coach and passing game coordinator, are the two McVay understudies who the Patriots have interviewed. This suggests that Mayo will take a very different approach with the Patriots offense. Dan Pitcher was apparently discussed with the Patriots for their job at offensive line coach, but he ultimately accepted a promotion to remain with the Cincinnati Bengals.

When it comes to selecting the Patriots’ offensive coordinator, Howe obviously favors one of those coaches above the others.

Howe stated, “I would say that, at least thus far, Zach Robinson is the most qualified of the three and is a guy who definitely has OC potential.” “You’re coming from a really well coached team for about a half decade, I guess, and as the Rams’ coordinator of the passing game, you would be a very good hire.”

Before Belichick made the strange choice to hand the position to Matt Patricia and Joe Judge, Caley appeared to be a possibility to be the offensive coordinator for New England in 2022. According to Howe, Caley was well-liked at the time and benefited from his role as the team’s tight ends coach by participating in the passing and run games.

However, it seems that his candidacy has suffered a little bit lately.

Howe remarked, “I’ve talked to people who are curious about his potential as coordinator.” Because he hasn’t had an opportunity to call plays or do it, it’s more of a mystery. Of course, everyone has to start somewhere. Thus, a rather more obscure candidate.

The Rooney Rule requires the Patriots to interview at least one external minority candidate before choosing an offensive coordinator, even though they have interviews scheduled.