The New England Patriots welcomed Josh McDaniels back to Foxborough.
McDaniels has agreed to return to New England for the third time, according to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, after an intermission year after coaching in the NFL last season. The 48-year-old has extensive coaching experience for the Patriots, dating back to his time with former head coach Bill Belichick in 2001. McDaniels was on hand for each of the organization’s six Super Bowl victories and left in 2022 to join the team. Las Vegas Raiders as head coach for almost two seasons.
New England receiver Kendrick Bourne, who worked with McDaniels during his last run in New England four years ago, reacted on social media shortly after the rehiring was announced.
“Heeesssssss backkkkkkkkk!” Bourne posted on X Tuesday evening.
Bourne and McDaniels crossed paths during the eight-year veteran’s first season with the Patriots. McDaniels, offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at the time, helped Bourne reach his career-best heights. Bourne posted career-high marks in receiving yards (800), receptions (55) and touchdowns (five), and will enter 2025 two years removed from his torn ACL injury with McDaniels back on the sidelines.
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This time, McDaniels will join first-year head coach Mike Vrabel. New England continues its second straight four-win, last-place campaign as the laughing stock of the AFC East and has another critical offseason ahead. The Pats own the fourth overall pick in April’s NFL Draft, have the option to spend in free agency or add via the trade market, and need to assure their fans that 2025 won’t be a repeat of 2024 .