Last month, Josh McDaniels made headlines when he hired three former Patriots assistant coaches away from New England to join in him Las Vegas with the Raiders. Those moves – some of which were lateral for the coaches involved – have resulted in a near-overhaul of the Patriots’ offensive coaching staff.
Speaking with reporters at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis on Thursday, Josh McDaniels shared a behind-the-scenes look at what went into those hires, including how much he spoke directly with Patriots head coach regarding those staffers. “I have great respect for Bill and that process. I spoke to him directly multiple times about any interest that I had in people that were there,” McDaniels explained. “I’ll keep those conversations private, but never want to do the wrong things relative to those things, obviously.”
“I feel very fortunate that I had an opportunity to add a few people that I’ve worked with before, specifically on the offensive side of the ball,” McDaniels continued. “Just try to do the right things relative to communicating with him – or any other coach for that matter – if you’re interested in somebody that works in that organization.”
McDaniels’ hires were highlighted by former Patriots wide receivers coach Mick Lombardi, who is now the offensive coordinator in Vegas. Quarterbacks coach Bo Hardegree and offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo have also joined the Raiders in the same roles. Former director of player personnel Dave Ziegler was also hired by Vegas along with McDaniels as the team’s general manager, bringing the former Patriots staff total in the Raiders organization to five.
Patriots may need to replace over half of offensive coaching staff
Josh McDaniels
Jul 30, 2021; Foxborough, MA, United States; New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels reacts during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports
McDaniels, of course, highlights the group of departures this offseason. The former offensive coordinator turned Raiders head coach has been a part of the Patriots for almost the entire Bill Belichick era. Originally hired as a personnel assistant in 2001, McDaniels first defined coaching job with the Patriots was on the defensive side of the ball as a defensive assistant in 2002 and 2003.
It wasn’t until his fourth year that McDaniels became a part of the offensive coaching staff, when he was named the quarterbacks coach in 2004. Two years later, he had offensive coordinator added to his title, a role he held until leaving to coach the Denver Broncos in 2009. After a quick stop in St. Louis, McDaniels returned as the Patriots’ OC in 2012 and had held that role since.
Ivan Fears
Dec 2, 2018; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots running backs coach Ivan Fears celebrates a win over the Minnesota Vikings at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports
Although it’s not official yet, multiple reports have indicated Fears plans to retire at some point this offseason. The 67-year-old is one of the few staffers who has been with the Patriots longer than Belichick – he first worked for the team as a receivers coach in 1991 and 1992, then after a short stint with the Chicago Bears returned to that job in 1999 before taking over his current job as running backs coach in 2002. Vinnie Sunseri was the Patriots’ assistant running backs coach last year, and wide receivers coach Troy Brown has experience coaching the position as well.
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Alex Barth is a writer and 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. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.
