The 2025 NFL Combine is underway in Indianapolis, and the Patriots kicked things off on Tuesday by having new head coach Mike Vrabel meet with reporters to discuss the upcoming season. Due to their cap space and draft positioning, it will inevitably be one of the more highly anticipated free agencies and drafts of the last several years.
On top of that, there is a lot of excitement surrounding the new coaching staff that Vrabel has hired, mainly because of how experienced the entire group is. It's quite a contrast from who was on the sideline last year and it's expected they will make a tremendous impact on how the team performs this fall.
There was, however, a lot of speculation surrounding the re-hiring of offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, as some believed it was a Robert Kraft power move and he forced the longtime coach back on the staff.
While that may have had some legs, given that he had another failed tenure as a head coach, the evidence proves otherwise. In fact, Vrabel revealed even more proof that McDaniels's connection within the organization goes beyond just those who have been with the team for the last few years.
Mike Vrabel was already in contact with Josh McDaniels before becoming the Patriots next head coach
While discussing the decision to hire those on his coaching staff, Vrabel spoke highly of McDaniels and revealed an interesting tidbit that will surely create a bunch of headlines for the next few days.
Besides shooting down the idea that Kraft forced McDaniels back into the Patriots staff even further, he revealed they had conversations while he was with the Browns for the 2024 season. That surely implies they had been connected far before his return to Foxboro.
Mike Vrabel opens with an answer to @kguregian about Josh McDaniels and the coaching staff.
— Andrew Callahan (@_AndrewCallahan) February 25, 2025
Says he and McDaniels had “numerous conversations” last year, and new DC Terrell Williams is expected to call plays. pic.twitter.com/bKEy3N6x5I
Related: Patriots won't be getting the same old Josh McDaniels in his NE return
That might not be the kind of news those not in favor of McDaniels being back to play calls want to hear, but it's hard to argue that he wasn't the best man for the job, especially knowing he will be working directly with quarterback Drake Maye.
Some of his playcalling during his last tenure with the Patriots could be considered bland, but McDaniels is known for being one of the best OCs in the league. He is undoubtedly credited with working exceptionally well with quarterbacks, so Maye is in the best hands possible moving forward.