At least one NFL team is reportedly going to target Josh McDaniels in the offseason
By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
Apparently, Josh McDaniels’ jilting of the Colts isn’t going to keep him from drawing more interest around the league as a potential head coach.
According to Pro Football Network insider Ben Allbright, the Falcons are one team that’s expected to have McDaniels high on their list of head coaching candidates in the offseason. It’s a peculiar report in light of the fact that they still have Dan Quinn helming the team and aren’t necessarily in the market for a new head coach – yet.
But if McDaniels is indeed going to consider leaving the Patriots again and draws fresh interest? The Falcons make sense. They still have general manager Thomas Dimitroff, who worked in various roles for the Patriots along with McDaniels from 2002-07.
Atlanta also employs Steven Scarnecchia, the son of Patriots offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia, as “assistant to the head coach”. He previously worked as director of video operations for the Broncos when McDaniels was head coach. The Broncos fired Scarnecchia in 2010 after he illegally recorded a 49ers walkthrough, which earned McDaniels and the team a $50,000 fine each after they failed to report the infraction to the league.
New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels reacts before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Gillette Stadium on November 24, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images)
McDaniels hasn’t exactly covered himself in glory in 2019 as the Patriots’ longtime offensive coordinator. The Pats are tied for 11th in total offensive touchdowns (34) and 15th in total yards (4,607), despite owning the league’s best average starting field position (their own 33-yard line) through 14 weeks. The fact that the Patriots lead the NFL in defensive and special teams touchdowns (6) has masked the team’s overall offensive struggles, at least on paper.
McDaniels also drew widespread criticism and scrutiny when he decided to sign with the Colts to become their head coach in 2018, only to decide to stay with the Patriots at the last minute. The Colts had even announced McDaniels’ signing before his controversial mind-change.
If the Falcons’ interest is real, they seem to be comfortable enough with the idea of signing McDaniels without fear that he’ll go back on his word.
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at [email protected].
