Kendrick Bourne gives 2-word verdict on Josh McDaniels returning to Patriots as new OC under Mike Vrabel
Mike Vrabel and the New England Patriots are bringing back a familiar face to lead the offense in 2025. The team re-hired veteran coach Josh McDaniels to fill its vacant offensive coordinator role.
The six-time Super Bowl champion left the team at the end of the 2021 season to become the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders. He lasted only 25 games before being fired midway through the 2023 season.
Even during his tenure as the Raiders head coach, he remained loyal to the Patriots. A report claimed that he scolded linebackers coach and his replacement, Antonio Pierce, for bringing up New England's loss to the New York Giants in Super Bowl 42 in a team meeting.
The Patriots are entrusting McDaniels with the responsibility of developing quarterback Drake Maye and helping improve the dismal offense that averaged the fewest passing yards (176.2) and the third-fewest points per game (17).
One player on the roster is ecstatic about the 48-year-old's return to the franchise. Wide receiver Kendrick Bourne reacted to the news of McDaniels' rejoining the Patriots on X, writing:
"Heeesssssss backkkkkkkk!"
The 29-year-old's excitement is understandable. He had his best season with the Patriots in 2021 when McDaniels was in charge of the offense.
Josh McDaniels' long history with the Patriots
Josh McDaniels first joined the Patriots in 2001 as the personnel assistant but spent only a season in that role as he was promoted to defensive assistant in 2002, working primarily with the cornerbacks and safety.
Two years later, he earned another promotion, becoming the team's quarterbacks coach. He built a rapport with Tom Brady and was handed the reins of the offense in 2006 and served as the Patriots' offensive coordinator for three seasons.
In 2009, McDaniels left the franchise to take over as the head coach of the Denver Broncos. The team floundered under his tutelage and he was fired 12 games into his second season with the team. After spending a year with the Los Angeles Rams as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, he returned to the Patriots in the same role.
After spending ten seasons leading the franchise's offense, McDaniels felt he was ready to give the head coaching gig another shot and joined the Raiders. However, akin to his stint with the Broncos, he was fired midway through his second season with the team.
He did not return to coaching immediately and spent nearly a year and a half away from the game. However, when the Patriots came calling, McDaniels couldn't resist. He's back for his third stint with the franchise he helped win six Super Bowls and will look to add more championship rings to his collection in the coming years.