New England Patriots: Will Chad O’Shea be offensive coordinator in 2018?
It’ll be a sad day in Foxborough when the curtains close on the McDaniels Era, but the future looks just as promising for the New England Patriots.
The 2017 NFL regular season is coming to an end, and multiple teams will be on the lookout for a new head coach. One candidate who should garner plenty of interest is New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels.
Though McDaniels has excused himself from head coaching opportunities in the past, the expected plethora of intriguing offers could signal the end of his time in New England.
If so, the Patriots will need to find a new offensive coordinator. Could Chad O’Shea be next in line for the job?
O’Shea has been with New England since 2009 when he was hired as the team’s wide receivers coach. The fifteenth-year NFL coach previously served as an assistant for the Kansas City Chiefs from 2003 to 2005, before joining the Minnesota Vikings in 2006. He spent three seasons as Minnesota’s offensive assistant/wide receivers coach, helping the team to an NFL-best 13 touchdowns of 20 yards or more in 2008.
New England’s wide receiver corps has posted record-breaking numbers since O’Shea’s arrival in Foxborough. Here’s some of the accolades they have achieved under O’Shea via Patriots.com.
"“In 2016, Julian Edelman became just the sixth player in team history with at least two 1,000-yard receiving seasons. In 2014, in his first year with New England, Brandon LaFell set career highs with 74 receptions for 953 yards and seven touchdowns. In 2013, Julian Edelman (105) became just the third player in team history to eclipse 100 receptions in a single season. In 2012, Wes Welker became the Patriots’ all-time leader in receptions and became the first player in NFL history with five 100-catch seasons. In 2011, Welker set a franchise record with 1,569 receiving yards and became the second player in NFL history to record two 120-catch seasons.”"
Additionally, in 2017, wide receiver Brandin Cooks notched his third straight 1,000-yard season in his first year with New England.
In NFL Films’ ‘Do Your Job: Part 2‘, McDaniels provided insight and praise on O’Shea’s contributions to the Patriots’ gameplan.
"“[He] does a tremendous job of preparing the red area report. He researches it, he’s been responsible for that portion of our gameplan and our preparation for years.”"
O’Shea’s red zone preparation has been just as good as advertised this season. According to Pro Football Reference, the team has posted 24 touchdown receptions in the red zone, along with 15 rushing touchdowns.
As an offensive coordinator, calling plays would be nothing new to O’Shea. He served as the Patriots’ offensive play-caller during their final preseason game against the New York Giants. Despite losing 40-38, quarterback Jacoby Brissett finished 29-of-38 for 341 yards, four touchdowns, and an interception.
O’Shea has also shown a commitment to helping his players improve. In 2013, Patriots rookie wide receiver Aaron Dobson told the Boston Herald’s Jeff Howe he respects his coach’s persistent efforts to help.
"“He’s helped me out a lot. He just stays on me. If it’s something little, he’s going to be on me about that. He’s not going to let anything slide, so I respect him for that. He’s trying to get me better that way.”"
Houston Texans head coach and former Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien also offered praise, telling Howe:
"“[O’Shea’s] very knowledgeable, and there’s no question that someday down the road somewhere, he would be able to call plays.”"
If Josh McDaniels takes a head coaching position over the offseason, Chad O’Shea may be New England’s best replacement option. His work ethic, knowledge, and past success make him an intriguing candidate, and his experience in the Patriots’ system is far richer than that of an outside hire.
Next: Dion Lewis named AFC Offensive Player of the Week
It’ll be a sad day in Foxborough when the curtains close on the McDaniels Era, but the future looks just as promising.