Patriots Insider Shares Surprising Insight On Josh McDaniels’ Candidacy

NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport over the weekend identified Josh McDaniels as “the favorite” to become Patriots offensive coordinator.

Well, if you ask ESPN’s Mike Reiss, McDaniels is not a shoo-in to reclaim the job he occupied amid New England’s dynastic run.

McDaniels was immediately floated as a candidate for the role after Mike Vrabel was hired as head coach. But as Reiss pointed out Monday morning, that might have just been because McDaniels has a deep history with the Patriots organization and still lives in the New England area.

Beyond those factors, the former Las Vegas Raiders head coach might not have a leg up on the competition.

“He’s never coached with Mike Vrabel. I think that’s significant,” Reiss said on 98.5 The Sports Hub. “The relationship between a coach and a player is different than a coach and a coach. I think Josh is going to be part of the mix. I think Mike said that publicly. But I haven’t sensed that he would be, like, Mike’s top choice right now. That might change as the process takes shape.”

Reiss didn’t pinpoint who he believes is the frontrunner to replace Alex Van Pelt. However, the longtime Patriots insider noted how neither of the first two candidates to interview for the position — Thomas Brown and Marcus Brady — seemingly have a great shot of being hired.

Thus, the race to become New England’s next OC might be wide open.