Several teams have expressed interest in getting one of the New England Patriots assistant coaches as their new head coach. After hiring a new general manager in Dave Gettleman, the New York Giants have asked the Patriots’ permission to interview defensive coordinator, Matt Patricia and offensive coordinator, Josh McDaniels for their head-coaching vacancy, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Gary Myers of the New York Daily News said Patricia and McDaniels were on top of Gettleman's wish list to become the next Giants head coach.
The Giants fired head coach Ben McAdoo and general manager Jerry Reese on December 4, even before the team finished its dismal campaign which they ended with a 3-13 mark.
The Giants’ 13 losses were the most in franchise history. The Giants hired Gettleman on December 29 to replace Reese. The interview could happen during the bye week while the Patriots are waiting for their divisional opponent. In the past years, both Patricia and McDaniels were interviewed for head coaching jobs but ultimately decided on returning to head coach Bill Belichick’s staff.
Lions, Cardinals eyeing Patricia
Aside from the Giants, the Detroit Lions and the Arizona Cardinals are also eyeing the 43-year-old Patricia as their head coach, replacing Jim Caldwell, who was fired after the team missed the playoffs. Schefter reported that the Lions have asked permission to interview Patricia, so as the Cardinals, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network Insider.
Sources said Patricia is the favorite for the Lions because he could provide continuity for the offense by retaining the staff.
The Cardinals, for their part, need a head coach after Bruce Arians announced his decision to retire from coaching after five seasons with the team. Patricia began his NFL coaching career with the Patriots, starting as offensive assistant in 2004.
After that, Patricia worked up the ladder, working as assistant offensive line coach, linebackers coach, and safeties coach before he was promoted to defensive coordinator in 2012.
Colts also interested in McDaniels
According to Schefter, the Indianapolis Colts have asked permission from the Patriots to interview the 41-year-old McDaniels, who has spent 14 of his 17 years in the NFL on Belichick’s coaching staff.
He also worked as head coach of the Denver Broncos from 2009 to 2010 and as offensive coordinator of the St. Louis Rams in 2011. Belichick said he was not surprised by the interest of other teams in his coaching staff, saying “they have done a good job this year, as they have throughout the years.” Belichick added that he’s fortunate to have some of the great coaches and coordinators on his staff. “We'll see how it goes, but those guys have done a great job for me,” said Belichick, who is also rumored to be moving to the Giants in 2018.
