Josh McDaniels Speaks About Staying With Patriots, Future Opportunities

Speaking for the first time since he backed out on the Indianapolis Colts at the last minute, Patriots offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Josh McDaniels sounded like a man without any regrets about his decision.

“Those things are not easy decisions to make. A lot of us have had to make decisions, what we feel is best for ourselves, our career, our family, and, I’m thankful to be here," McDaniels said in a Friday meeting with the media at Gillette Stadium. "This has been a great place for me. It’s benefited me and my family. We’re grateful to have an opportunity to work for Mr. Kraft and his family, to coach for Bill [Belichick], and to be with the staff every day, and the players we have an opportunity to work with every day. It really is an opportunity that you have to cherish and be grateful for every day, and I certainly am.”

The 42-year-old McDaniels also addressed the idea that he's staying in New England as a coach in waiting behind Belichick.

“I mean, my role is the same," McDaniels confirmed. "Look, I think if you’re here, you have an opportunity to work with and for some of the best people in our game, maybe some of the best people who have ever done those things in our game. I feel like it’s a great opportunity to be here in my role. I think all of us feel that way.

“I’ve been here for a long time. There’s a lot you get to build on and try to get better at your profession. Whatever happens in the future is going to happen. I’ll be happy with whatever that is. I just know I’m grateful to have the opportunity to be the offensive coordinator here, coaching quarterbacks, working with the offense, and working for the people I work for.”

At the same time, McDaniels acknowledged that he is still eager for another head coaching opportunity. But noted that the right situation has to present itself for him to legitimately considering leaving what he and his family consider home.

“I’ve stated again and again that I want to be a head coach again. At the same time, I love being here,” McDaniels offered. “This is where my kids are born and raised. We’ve made a pretty special life here. That’s not an easy thing to leave. So, there’s a lot to consider. Certainly, leaving here, I don’t take lightly, ever. I would never take that lightly. It was a difficult process.

"I’m very happy with the decision we made.”