In a stunning turn of events, the Patriots won't be looking for a new offensive coordinator after all. According to ESPN, Josh McDaniels has decided against taking the head coaching job in Indianapolis and will instead remain in New England as the team's offensive coordinator.
McDaniels had been announced as the coach in Indy and even began creating his coaching staff, which various reports indicated included assistant quarterbacks coach Jerry Schuplinski and special teams coach Joe Judge. The ESPN report said that McDaniels, who was to be introduced as the Colts coach at a Wednesday press conference, had been "vacillating on this decision throughout the interview process" and that Patriots owner Robert Kraft sweetened his offer to have him remain as offensive coordinator.
Ultimately McDaniels didn't feel comfortable taking his family, which includes his wife Laura and four children, out of New England. That was reportedly the reason for his reluctance to commit to the Colts.
The next logical step in the process obviously involves the future of Bill Belichick. The coach has endured a trying couple of months dealing with reports of a rift among him, his quarterback, Tom Brady, and his boss, Kraft. With McDaniels having a change of heart, the immediate speculation would be that he did so knowing that Belichick is set to call it quits after 18 years at the helm in New England.
However, ESPN reported that wasn't the case and that Belichick is planning on returning in 2018. But based on the start of this tumultuous offseason, nothing appears certain at this point.
