McDaniels Next Patriots Head Coach

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Post on Jan 22, 2025

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McDaniels Next Patriots Head Coach? My Two Cents (and a Few Mistakes)

Okay, so everyone's buzzing about Bill O'Brien, but let's be real, the real question on everyone's mind is: Is Josh McDaniels coming back to the Patriots as head coach? It's a rollercoaster, I tell ya. A total emotional rollercoaster.

I've been following the Patriots religiously since…well, let's just say since before Tom Brady's first Super Bowl win. I've seen some crazy coaching hires and some epic fails. And let me tell you, I've made my fair share of terrible predictions. I remember thinking, totally thinking, that Chad Ochocinco was going to be the missing piece of the puzzle back in '11. Face palm. So, trust me when I say, I'm approaching this whole McDaniels thing with a healthy dose of skepticism.

Why McDaniels Could Work This Time

Look, I get the hesitation. His first stint in Denver was…a disaster. We all saw that train wreck coming from a mile away. Bad personnel decisions, clashing with players...the whole shebang. But here’s the thing: people change, situations change. He's learned from his mistakes. I think he’s matured. He's been steeped in the Belichick system for years, absorbing knowledge like a sponge. Plus, the NFL landscape is different now than it was back then.

One thing that might work in his favor is his offensive expertise. He's a brilliant offensive mind, a true guru. The Patriots' offense, even with Mac Jones struggling sometimes, shows glimmers of that brilliance. He needs to create a stronger offensive system and get some players to complement the team's strengths.

What McDaniels Needs to Prove

However, there are some serious hurdles. He's gotta show he can manage a team independently. He needs to demonstrate that he can handle the pressure, build relationships with players, and avoid the kind of player conflicts that plagued his Denver days. It's not just about X's and O's; it's about leadership. It's about culture. Can he create a winning locker room culture? I don't know.

And the question of Mac Jones's future hangs large in the background. If McDaniels comes back, does that mean Mac's days in New England are numbered? That's a crucial question for the entire organization.

The Belichick Factor: A Giant Wildcard

Let’s not forget the elephant in the room: Bill Belichick. Their relationship is…complicated. It's a dynamic that's hard to decode. They've worked together for years, and while there’s undeniable respect there, there’s also a power struggle that’s always been present. Will Belichick really step back and allow McDaniels the autonomy he needs to succeed? Or will it be a case of Belichick’s shadow looming large over the entire operation?

What I Learned the Hard Way

I've learned the hard way: predicting the Patriots is a fool's errand. Belichick is a master of misdirection. I've been burned so many times by focusing on what seems obvious. This time around, I'm trying a different approach. I'm focusing less on speculation and more on analyzing McDaniels's coaching journey. I'm looking at his interviews, his past decisions, trying to discern patterns and growth.

The Bottom Line: It's Complicated

So, is McDaniels the next Patriots head coach? I honestly don’t know. It's a complex situation with tons of moving parts. There’s potential, sure, but there's also significant risk. This ain't a sure thing. My gut feeling is leaning towards “no,” but I’ve been wrong before. So many times, that I have lost count. Many, many times. This is, truly, the greatest mystery in NFL history.

One thing’s for sure, though: this offseason is shaping up to be a wild ride for Patriots fans. We'll just have to wait and see.

(Disclaimer: This is just my opinion. I'm not a psychic, and I have no inside information.)