Patriots Rumors: Josh McDaniels update could sting Mac Jones in Year 2

A New England Patriots season has officially concluded, meaning that their coordinators are going to get interviews for head coaching jobs around the league. Both offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and de facto defensive coordinator Jerod Mayo are getting attention from teams across the NFL.

The Broncos interviewed Mayo with the goal of bringing a facsimile of Bill Belichick’s defense to Denver. Even though McDaniels had one bad stretch as the leading man in Denver, some teams seem to think that McDaniels’ second-time-around might be better given his experience.

McDaniels drew praise for how he handled the growth of Mac Jones, as he helped the Alabama rookie emerge as one of the most accurate young quarterbacks in the game. McDaniels has apparently shot right to the top of the list for a team fresh off a playoff appearance.

Mark Daniels of the Providence Journal claims that McDaniels is attracting the attention of the Las Vegas Raiders, as they might view him as more conducive to long-term success than Rich Bisaccia. If that happens, Jones will have to start from scratch and learn a new offense.

Patriots Rumors: Could OC Josh McDaniels join the Raiders?

McDaniels, who had previously been mentioned as a head coach candidate for the Jaguars, helped the offense go from the 27th-ranked attack in terms of points per game to sixth in all of football. Jones was accurate, and the 1-2 punch of Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson combined for 1,500 yards and 20 touchdowns.

McDaniels would get his hands on a Raiders team fresh off a playoff appearance with Derek Carr at quarterback. While Vegas did defy the odds and make it to the postseason, playing Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert four times a year makes this job a bit less desirable.

If he does leave, the impact on Jones could be incredibly negative. Consistency is key for a young quarterback, and Jones having to learn a new offensive scheme and terminology could slow his growth. Even if New England takes Daniels’ suggestion and rehires Bill O’Brien given his familiarity with Belichick, there will be an adjustment period.

McDaniels has a perfect situation set up for him in New England. He can keep his job as OC and get consideration as a potential Belichick replacement when Bill decides to hang it up. Joining the Raiders, which may be a more difficult job than it appears, could be bad for McDaniels, Jones, and the Patriots.

Hopefully, he pulls a Colts maneuver and pulls his name out of consideration.