Does Josh McDaniels leaving Patriots mean Bill Belichick has no plans to retire?

The New England Patriots are in the market for a new offensive coordinator for the first time since the end of the 2011 season.

That year, they brought back Josh McDaniels after Bill O’Brien had left for Penn State. Now, it’s possible an opposite swap happens with O’Brien potentially leaving Alabama, but for now, we’re moreso wondering what the future holds for Bill Belichick.

Previous reports have suggested, especially in recent offseasons, that McDaniels was essentially the “head coach in waiting” for Belichick, meaning there was a feeling the 69-year-old could be calling it quits in the immediate future.

But now McDaniels is taking a fairly undesirable job in Las Vegas, where the Raiders are faced with a lot of roster-altering decisions this offseason and will be competing with Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert for the next decade. Does this mean Belichick isn’t close to making a decision with his career?

Does Josh McDaniels’ departure mean Bill Belichick isn’t retiring anytime soon?

McDaniels backed off taking the Colts job after the 2017 season and opted to stay with New England, but at that time it was said owner Robert Kraft sweetened the deal with his contract and McDaniels preferred stability over a new situation elsewhere.

Conflicting reports from that offseason suggested McDaniels was “assured” he would be head coach when Belichick leaves, and that speculation grew when Tom Brady signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers two years ago.

Then, after Mac Jones was drafted, it was hypothesized McDaniels would continue in his current role to help Jones grow before eventually taking over as the head coach. But Jon Gruden’s exit and the Raiders shifting gears with Rich Bisaccia opened up a new opportunity and McDaniels wasted no time taking the promotion.

Perhaps the Patriots’ improved situation with their free agent spending spree and successful 2021 draft class changed Belichick’s mind and he doesn’t see an ending in sight with this renewed window. Or maybe McDaniels surmised that himself. Is it possible Belichick would’ve considered a change at the offensive coordinator position to elevate Jones’ game outside of being dependent on a top-notch rushing attack and smothering defense?

After what we witnessed back in 2018, we won’t rule out any scenario, but it sure seems as if McDaniels’ departure means Belichick has no definitive timetable for retirement. And it’s hard to blame the 45-year-old for pouncing on what he felt was a worthwhile advancement and transition.

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