Josh McDaniels might be on the wrong end of the NFL coaching carousel this time.
The Patriots’ offensive coordinator was immediately a popular name when the head-coaching jobs became available with interviews lined up for the Giants, Panthers and Browns. The Giants and Panthers hired coaches on Tuesday without McDaniels even getting an interview.
McDaniels was not high on the Giants’ list and there were doubts as to whether McDaniels was willing to work with general manager Dave Gettleman. But when Matt Rhule stunningly accepted the Panthers coaching job on Tuesday morning — the job that most had figured McDaniels would get — with Mike McCarthy already having landed the Cowboys job, it briefly felt like McDaniels would suddenly be the Giants’ best option.
That lasted about an hour, when it leaked out that the Giants and Patriots special teams coordinator and wide receivers coach Joe Judge were nearing an agreement. This was not the New England coordinator many expected to land a head-coaching job this offseason.
There are no tears being shed for the 43-year-old McDaniels. Two years ago, he had accepted the Colts’ head-coaching job only to turn his back on them to return to New England.
“Those things are not easy decisions to make,” McDaniels said months after, according to the Providence Journal. “I’m sure a lot of us have had to make decisions of what we feel like is best for ourselves, our career, our families. I’m thankful to be here. This has been a great place for me. It’s really benefited me and my family.”
And it appears he may just stay by Bill Belichick’s side for at least another season. However, one opportunity remains open.
The Browns will interview Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, Vikings offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski and McDaniels this week. McDaniels is the last to interview on Friday, though NFL Network reports that Cleveland will complete all their interviews before deciding on a head coach.
It’s McDaniels’ last chance for now.
For more on the Giants, listen to the latest episode of the “Blue Rush” podcast: