What Happened to Josh McDaniels?

Josh McDaniels' coaching career has been a tale of two distinct paths: highly successful offensive coordinator stints with the New England Patriots and challenging, short-lived head coaching roles elsewhere. He began his NFL journey with the Patriots in 2001 as a personnel assistant, steadily rising through the ranks to become quarterbacks coach and then offensive coordinator. During his initial tenure as offensive coordinator from 2006-2008, he oversaw a record-breaking Patriots offense, including the undefeated 2007 regular season team.

His first opportunity as a head coach came with the Denver Broncos in 2009. At 32, he was one of the youngest head coaches in NFL history. However, his time in Denver was tumultuous, marked by a controversial trade attempt involving quarterback Jay Cutler and a videotaping scandal, which, despite his non-involvement, led to his dismissal in December 2010 with a 12-20 record. Following a year as offensive coordinator for the St. Louis Rams, McDaniels returned to New England in 2012 for his second stint as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. This period was highly successful, yielding three more Super Bowl championships for the Patriots.

After years of speculation, McDaniels accepted his second head coaching role with the Las Vegas Raiders in January 2022, signing a six-year contract. His tenure in Las Vegas was fraught with difficulties, including a 6-11 record in his first season and a highly publicized benching of long-time quarterback Derek Carr. The 2023 season saw continued struggles, with the team starting 3-5. McDaniels was ultimately fired on October 31, 2023, alongside General Manager Dave Ziegler, after a 9-16 overall record, amidst reports of a significant disconnect with players. His contract was reportedly fully guaranteed through 2027.

Following his dismissal from the Raiders, McDaniels took a sabbatical year in 2024. He used this time for personal reflection and professional development, touring various successful NFL and college football programs, including the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and Ohio State. He also prioritized family time and assisted with advance scouting. This period of recharging and learning proved beneficial.

In January 2025, McDaniels made a highly anticipated return to the New England Patriots as offensive coordinator under new head coach Mike Vrabel. His impact was immediate and significant. In the 2025 season, the Patriots' offense dramatically improved, finishing second in the league in scoring and third in total yards, a stark contrast to their previous season's performance. For his efforts, McDaniels was named the 2025 AP NFL Assistant Coach of the Year, and he was widely credited for the impressive development of second-year quarterback Drake Maye. As of August 24, 2026, McDaniels continues in his role as the Patriots' offensive coordinator, being one of only two play-calling offensive coordinators to hold the same position in both 2025 and 2026, solidifying his reputation as an elite offensive mind despite his past head coaching struggles.