New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady discussed the interest of other teams regarding offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and the possibility of playing next season without him. According to multiple reports, McDaniels will be interviewed by the Indianapolis Colts, Chicago Bears, and the New York Giants in the coming days for their vacant head coaching jobs. The Colts fired Chuck Pagano while the Bears and the Giants parted ways with John Fox and Ben McAdoo, respectively.
Per WEEi.com, Brady told the "Kirk & Callahan Show" that he hasn’t spoken to McDaniels about his scheduled interviews, but he understands why the Patriots' coaches have been targeted by other teams.
Brady said McDaniels has done an incredible job with the Patriots, calling him an incredible coach and a great friend. “Josh has been such a great coach for me. All those things sort themselves out,” said Brady, adding that he expects McDaniels to be focused on the Patriots and doing what he needs to do to help the team win as they make a run for their sixth Super Bowl title.
Brady emphasizes importance of continuity
Brady also emphasized the importance of continuity in the overall success of the Patriots, hoping that they can keep it going. Both McDaniels and defensive coordinator Matt Patricia have been with the Patriots in their current roles for six seasons. In their Week 13 win over the Buffalo Bills, Brady unleashed on McDaniels after their first-quarter drive ended in a field goal instead of a touchdown that the quarterback missed.
While Brady was heading back to the bench, McDaniels uttered something that the quarterback did not take well. Brady then turned around, removed his helmet, and let McDaniels have it. However, after that game, Brady apologized to McDaniels.
Patriots' coaches to be interviewed this week
Aside from McDaniels, Patricia is being wooed by the Giants, Detroit Lions, and the Arizona Cardinals.
The Cardinals are also interested in Patriots’ linebackers coach Brian Flores. With the Patriots getting a first-round bye, the coaches will conduct their job interviews this week. Ryan Hannable of WEEI.com said McDaniels will be interviewed by the Colts on Thursday and by the Giants and Bears on Friday. All interviews will be held in the Foxborough area. The Patriots will play on January 13 when they host their divisional round game at Gillette Stadium against a still-to-be-determined opponent.