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#pounditTuesday, January 14, 2025

Mike Vrabel reveals interest in 1 high-profile OC candidate for Patriots

January 14, 2025
by Steve DelVecchio
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Josh McDanielsMike VrabelNew England Patriots
Mike Vrabel at a press conference

Jan 13, 2025; Foxborough, MA, USA; Mike Vrabel addresses media at a press conference to announce his hiring as the head coach of the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images

Mike Vrabel has begun the process of assembling a coaching staff with the New England Patriots, and he has confirmed that he has interest in at least one high-profile offensive coordinator candidate.

Even before Vrabel was hired by the Patriots, there were reports that he could potentially bring Josh McDaniels with him as offensive coordinator if Vrabel got the job. It sounds like McDaniels will, at the very least, have an opportunity to interview.

During an appearance on WEEI’s “The Greg Hill Show” Monday morning, Vrabel was asked if McDaniels is a potential OC candidate for the Patriots.

“Yeah, I mean I’m gonna look at every possible candidate that I feel like can help us,” Vrabel said. “We’re gonna start that process this afternoon and visit with some great coaches and then we’ll see where things go. … I’ve had a relationship with Josh and I’ve had relationships with other offensive coaches and defensive coaches that we’re gonna interview and want to bring in here.”

McDaniels had two separate stints as an offensive assistant under Bill Belichick in New England. He was with the Patriots for all six of their Super Bowl titles in the Brady/Belichick era. Vrabel was a linebacker on three of those championship teams. McDaniels was an assistant on Belichick’s staff for Vrabel’s entire tenure with the Pats.

If familiarity is important to Vrabel, you can understand why McDaniels would be a top candidate.

McDaniels has not had an NFL job since he was fired as head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders last season, but his body of work as an OC speaks for itself. He even had success with Mac Jones for a season in New England after Tom Brady left.

We know of at least one Patriots legend who believes Vrabel should hire McDaniels. That could very well end up happening.