New England Patriots offensive coordinator, Josh McDaniels has stunned the football world by reportedly not accepting the head coaching job for the Indianapolis Colts.
McDaniels will remain with the Patriots organization, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Stunner: Patriots’ OC Josh McDaniels has decided NOT to accept Colts’ HC job and will remain with New England, sources told ESPN.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 7, 2018
In an announcement on Tuesday, the Colts had announced the hiring of McDaniels, but the offensive coordinator had second thoughts on the deal after speaking with Patriots owner, Robert Kraft.
What Changed McDaniels’ Mind?
Kraft and McDaniels had been in discussions over the past 48 hours, and the Patriots owner “ultimately wound up sweetening his contract, helping to entice him to remain in New England,” according to Schefter’s sources.
Text from one league source: “That’s Kraft putting it to the Colts again. He will forever try and (expletive) that place ever since deflate gate.”
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 7, 2018
ESPN’s Mike Reiss added that Patriots head coach Bill Belichick was reportedly “locked in” through the 2018-19 season, and clarity on that situation, as well as family reasons kept McDaniels from taking the Indianapolis job.
Source close to situation says clarity on Bill Belichick's status in New England (Belichick is locked in to coach Patriots in 2018) and stability for family among top factors for Josh McDaniels' sudden change.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) February 7, 2018
The Colts said they were “surprised and disappointed” in a statement to the media tonight.
“After agreeing to contract terms to become the Indianapolis Colts’ new head coach, New England Patriots assistant coach Josh McDaniels this evening informed us that he would not be joining our team,” says the statement from the team.
“Although we are surprised and disappointed, we will resume our head coaching search immediately and find the right fit to lead our team and organization on and off the field.”