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.
Howe clearly sees one of those coaches above the rest when it comes to the Patriots choosing who will run their offense.
“Zac Robinson is a guy who definitely has OC potential, and is I would say the most qualified of that three at least so far,” Howe said. “And as the passing game coordinator with the Rams you’re coming from a really well coached team for about a half decade I guess, and would be a very good hire.”
Caley seemed in line to potentially be New England’s offensive coordinator in 2022 before Belichick made the bizarre decision to give the job to Matt Patricia and Joe Judge. Howe said Caley was highly regarded then and being involved in the passing and run games as the team’s tight ends coach helped his cause.
But now, it appears his candidacy has taken a little bit of a hit.
“I’ve spoken to people recently who wonder what is his potential as coordinator,” Howe said. “It’s more of a mystery because he hasn’t had a chance to do it, hasn’t had a chance to call plays. I guess everybody has to start somewhere of course. So a little more of an unknown candidate.”
While the Patriots have had interviews on the books, they will still need to interview at least one external minority candidate to satisfy the Rooney Rule before naming an offensive coordinator.
