Patriots' Josh McDaniels addresses mindset amid head-coaching chatter

Earlier in October, New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels worked to downplay rumors that he might be considered for head-coaching jobs this January. 

The Patriots have since improved to 6-2 this season and enter Week 9 amid a five-game winning streak. Therefore, some continue to wonder if McDaniels will soon get calls about head-coach openings. 

While speaking with reporters on Thursday, McDaniels addressed his mindset amid ongoing speculation that may not quiet down anytime soon. 

Josh McDaniels is having fun with Patriots

"I love this," McDaniels explained, per Mark Daniels of MassLive. "I love football. I love coaching here, working for [first-year Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel]. I learn something every day, every week, which is cool for me. To watch that whole process and the way he’s spearheaded the vision he has for our team, and our staff has been great. And just this group of players. They come to work every day with a great approach and a great attitude. It makes your job fun." 

The rise of second-year quarterback Drake Maye under McDaniels has undeniably made things "fun" for the Patriots, as Maye is in MVP conversations. Pro Football Reference stats show that Maye is leading the NFL among qualified players with a 75.2 percent completion percentage for the season. He's fifth in the league with a 76.0 adjusted QBR and is tied for sixth with 15 passing touchdowns. 

Josh McDaniels trying "to enjoy the process" with Patriots

Regarding McDaniels, he has two unsuccessful head-coaching stints on his resume. Most recently, he was terminated by the Las Vegas Raiders in the fall of 2023 after going 9-16 with the team. 

Understandably, it sounds like McDaniels isn't eager to leave New England anytime soon. 

"Winning is fun, but I think you’ve got to have an opportunity to enjoy the process regardless of the outcome," McDaniels added during his comments. "If you don’t do that, it’s kind of hard. I think I’ve learned over time that I have to do that more often and not just tie it to the outcome of the game. Just trying to enjoy the guys. We have a lot of fun in practice and the meetings, walkthrough, and hopefully on Sunday." 

The Patriots will look to have more fun when they host the Atlanta Falcons (3-4) on Sunday. As of Friday morning, ESPN BET had New England as a 5.5-point favorite for that contest.