There is a lot to look forward to with the Patriots in 2026, as they come off a shocking Super Bowl run and hope to continue that momentum into a much more difficult season. Within that is the excitement about what quarterback Drake Maye will look like in Year 3, and one of the most overlooked benefits he will have for the first time in his NFL career.
Even better is the fact that he didn't even have that luxury spanning back to his final years at the University of North Carolina, so he's about to experience something that most other quarterbacks around the league have every season.
And what is that exactly? Having the same offensive coordinator for consecutive seasons. Josh McDaniels is not going anywhere, and fortunately for Maye, that means he will have the kind of consistency quarterbacks require and the understanding of an offensive game plan that helps them thrive.
We saw just how well they paired together in 2025, catapulting him into the MVP conversation right behind Matthew Stafford, so the fact that they will be working together again is massive for Maye's career. Even better, he hasn't had the privilege in four years.
Josh McDaniels' presence is going to be massive for Drake Maye's career
While speaking to reporters after the first session of OTAs with the media present, Maye spoke about the benefit of having McDaniels back in the building and how good that will be for his development and the upcoming season.
“It’s naturally gonna be more comfortable being in the huddle, saying the play calls, knowing why we’re running the plays… Another year in the same offense. First time for me in maybe four years…”
Having the same offensive coordinator is something the most recent quarterbacks in New England haven't had, since they went through three head coaches in three years. And even before Bill Belichick was let go, he brought in multiple play callers for Mac Jones to work with, which really disrupted his development.
Mike Vrabel needed to ensure the same fate wouldn't be in Maye's future, and thankfully, a Super Bowl run gave Robert Kraft even more reason to keep him and his coaching staff around for another year.
Now, Maye will have the first repeat OC to work with in at least four years, and that could prove to be significant in his rise to superstardom. If he looked as good as he did in Year 1 with McDaniels, the sky is the limit this fall, which is a massive win for the Patriots.
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