Report: Patriots could re-hire Josh McDaniels if Bill Belichick is retained

Although the New England Patriots have yet to make a decision on the job status of six-time Super Bowl-winning head coach Bill Belichick, the 71-year-old could be joined on the sidelines by a familiar face if he is retained.

According to The Athletic's Jeff Howe, Belichick and Patriots owner Robert Kraft will meet later this week to discuss the franchise's direction after having an initial discussion on Monday. 

Howe adds that Belichick must "lay out a firm plan to dramatically improve the on-field product" if the team retains him, which could include re-hiring former Patriots OC and Las Vegas Raiders HC Josh McDaniels. 

McDaniels was fired by the Las Vegas Raiders in November after posting a 9-16 record in less than two seasons — the second failed head-coaching stint of his career. Despite this, McDaniels enjoyed plenty of success under Belichick, winning six Super Bowl titles as an assistant across parts of 19 seasons. 

The Patriots have had significant problems offensively since McDaniels' departure in 2021, ranking as the third-worst scoring offense (17.6) and fourth-worst unit in terms of yards per game (295.4). 

New England had hoped bringing back former OC Bill O'Brien would help turn its struggles around, but the team finished 30th in yardage (276.2) and last in points per game (13.9). 

Meanwhile, former first-round pick QB Mac Jones regressed significantly after earning a Pro Bowl nod as a rookie in McDaniels' system. Jones threw for 22 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in 2021 but has thrown just 24 touchdowns to 23 interceptions since the start of last season before being permanently benched in Week 13. 

Even so, given his immense regression, there's no guarantee hiring McDaniels would help Jones return to form or ensure he's brought back next season. 

The third-year quarterback also told reporters on Monday that while the situation is out of his control, he hopes the team realizes that he's going to compete wherever he plays "whether it’s here or somewhere else.”

Nonetheless, while the situation is still subject to change, it wouldn't be surprising if McDaniels returned to New England. After all, he was spotted entering the VIP gate at Gillette Stadium for the team's season-ending loss to the New York Jets on Sunday.