When the New England Patriots officially hired Mike Vrabel as head coach back in January, the focus immediately shifted to the rest of his coaching staff.
As expected, Vrabel brought in several key personnel from his previous tenure in Tennessee, including defensive coordinator Terrell Williams and game management coordinator John Streicher.
His most questionable hire? That would be Josh McDaniels, a product of the Bill Belichick-Tom Brady era that the Patriots’ new regime appears highly motivated to distance itself from.
Fans were convinced that McDaniels' hire was an ownership decision, given Robert Kraft’s clear appreciation for his now third-time offensive coordinator. Many initially questioned the fit with Vrabel, whose Titans teams utilized a more old-school, ground-and-pound approach centered on superstar running back Derrick Henry.
McDaniels might have flamed out (again) as a head coach with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2023, but his work with young QB Drake Maye and New England’s revamped offense through the first quarter of the 2025 regular season has been impossible for fans and critics to ignore.
Josh McDaniels has been a difference-maker for the Patriots, who finally have an offensive identity again
The switch from Alex Van Pelt to McDaniels this year has already been staggering for the Patriots.
While the team added some obvious upgrades, especially at left tackle and wide receiver, New England is blossoming into an offense that's less predictable and challenges opposing defenses in multiple ways.
Teams have to account for Maye’s rushing ability, especially on third down and in the red zone. McDaniels has helped weaponize his QB’s legs with fewer designed runs and scrambles, and more play-action to help move the pocket and protect an offensive line that has two rookies on the left side.
The #Patriots had the 2nd-lowest play-action rate in the NFL last year (15.4%). Josh McDaniels has changed that, and Drake Maye is benefitting.
— Andrew Callahan (@_AndrewCallahan) September 29, 2025
Maye's play-action rate and QBR (out of 100) each week:
Week 1⃣ 20.8%,41.5
Week 2⃣ 25.8%, 74.6
Week 3⃣ 29.8%, 62.7
Week 4⃣ 38.1%, 94.6 pic.twitter.com/s3c4ZVEPDV
New England’s overall efficiency numbers are off the charts compared to the past two seasons. It enters Week 5 ranked 10th in the NFL in points per play. The wide receiver group is beginning to take shape, with Stefon Diggs creating separation at a high clip (especially with more usage in the slot). Tight ends Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper remain threats in the passing game. All three running backs are capable of hitting a chunk play.
Through the first month of the season, the only team that’s really stopped the Patriots’ offense has been the Patriots themselves. If Vrabel can help iron out some of the self-inflicted wounds, like penalties and turnovers, and McDaniels can continue what has now been a three-game hot streak as the play caller, New England’s offense has a chance to be one of the biggest NFL surprises this season.
Whether it was Kraft, Vrabel or some combination of the two — the decision to take another run with McDaniels this offseason looks like a home run as the schedule flips to October.