The New England Patriots believe that familiarity trumps the unknown, especially when assembling their coaching staff for a new chapter under head coach Mike Vrabel and future quarterback Drake Maye.
Reports from ESPN and NFL Network indicate that Josh McDaniels is set to return to Foxborough for his third tenure as the Patriots’ offensive coordinator. His previous stints spanned from 2006 to 2008 and again from 2012 to 2021.
McDaniels’ most successful years with the Patriots came in 2007 and 2012, when the team’s offence led the NFL in both yards and points.Despite this, his two attempts as a head coach—with the Denver Broncos (2009-2010) and the Las Vegas raiders (2022-2023)—fell short of expectations.
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vrabel leans on trusted allies for defensive coordinator role
Coaches often rely on familiar faces when building their staff, and Vrabel is no exception.According to CBS Sports, Terrell Williams is the top candidate for the defensive coordinator position. Williams previously served as the defensive line coach under Vrabel during his tenure with the Tennessee Titans.
additionally, the Patriots have interviewed Ryan Crow, the Miami Dolphins’ outside linebackers coach, who also worked alongside Vrabel in Tennessee from 2021 to 2023.
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Inside the Patriots’ New Coaching Strategy: A Candid Interview with Former NFL Coach Tony Dungy
As the New England Patriots gear up for a new era under head coach Mike Vrabel and rookie quarterback Drake Maye, the team is turning to familiar faces to lead the charge. Notably, Josh McDaniels is set to return for his third tenure as the Patriots’ offensive coordinator, a move that has sparked both excitement and skepticism among fans and analysts alike. To dive deeper into this decision and the team’s broader coaching strategy, we sat down with former NFL head coach and Super Bowl champion Tony Dungy.
Moderator: Tony, thanks for joining us today. The patriots are bringing back Josh McDaniels as offensive coordinator. What’s your take on this decision?
Tony Dungy: Thank you for having me. I think it’s a smart move by the Patriots. Josh has a proven track record with the team, especially during those dominant years in 2007 and 2012 when the offense was one of the best in the league. While his head coaching stints didn’t pan out as expected, his ability to craft an effective offense is undeniable. For a rookie quarterback like Drake Maye, having a coordinator who’s been prosperous in this system is invaluable.
Moderator: Interesting perspective. But some fans are concerned that McDaniels’ return might signal a lack of innovation. Do you think the Patriots are playing it too safe by sticking with familiar faces?
Tony Dungy: That’s a fair concern. Football is always evolving, and staying ahead of the curve is crucial. Though, familiarity isn’t inherently a bad thing—especially when it comes to building chemistry and trust within a coaching staff. McDaniels knows the Patriots’ culture inside and out, and that can be a huge advantage. That said, it’s on him to adapt his strategies to fit the modern game and the strengths of his new quarterback.
Moderator: Speaking of the coaching staff, Mike Vrabel is reportedly leaning on Terrell Williams for the defensive coordinator role. Williams worked with Vrabel in Tennessee. What are your thoughts on this approach?
Tony Dungy: I love it. building a coaching staff is all about trust and shared vision. Vrabel and Williams have a history of success together, and that continuity can translate to on-field results. Defense has always been Vrabel’s forte, and having a coordinator who understands his beliefs will be key. Plus, Williams has a reputation for developing talent, which is crucial for a team looking to rebuild.
Moderator: The Patriots have also interviewed Ryan Crow, the Dolphins’ outside linebackers coach. Could he be a good fit for the team?
Tony dungy: Absolutely. Crow has a strong resume and, like williams, he’s familiar with Vrabel’s system from their time in Tennessee. The Patriots are clearly prioritizing coaches who can hit the ground running, and Crow fits that bill. His work with Miami’s defense has been notable, and he could bring some fresh ideas to New England.
Moderator: Last question, Tony—what’s your overall outlook for the Patriots this season? Can this coaching staff guide them back to contention?
Tony Dungy: I’m optimistic, but it’s going to be a process. The Patriots have a lot of pieces to put in place, especially on offense with a young quarterback. If McDaniels can replicate his past success and Vrabel’s defensive vision comes to fruition, this team could surprise people. It won’t happen overnight, but the foundation is there for a strong rebuild.
Moderator: Thanks, Tony, for sharing your insights. It’s always a pleasure to get your perspective.
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Join the conversation! What do you think about the Patriots’ coaching decisions? are you excited about Josh McDaniels’ return, or do you think the team should have looked elsewhere? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Let’s keep this discussion going.
