FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Josh McDaniels is returning to the Patriots to take over as offensive coordinator next season for Bill O’Brien, who was
A person familiar with the situation said McDaniels is expected to serve as an offensive assistant under O’Brien for the rest of this season. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the team hasn’t made an announcement.
O’Brien said at his news conference Saturday he intends to remain the Patriots’ offensive coordinator as long as they stay in the playoffs.
McDaniels would go from near the bottom of the NFL after spending the season as offensive coordinator of the Rams, who were 2-14, to a shot at the Super Bowl with the Patriots with an AFC-best 13-3 record.
He was offensive coordinator with the Patriots from 2006-08 before becoming head coach of the Broncos in 2009. He was fired with a 3-9 record in 2010 after losing 17 of his last 22 games. The Patriots, who had a bye this weekend, go into the playoffs with an eight-game winning streak.
The 35-year-old McDaniels was the only Rams assistant under contract through next season when Steve Spagnuolo was fired on Jan. 2.
Chiefs like Crennel. League sources told ESPN that the Chiefs plan to retain interim coach Romeo Crennel.
Crennel, who went 2-1 after replacing Todd Haley, has a good relationship with general manager Scott Pioli and is well-liked by his players.
Crennel had a 24-40 record coaching the Browns from 2005 through 2008.
Colts plan to take Luck. With the stunning dismissal of Bill Polian, the architect of the Colts’ 11 playoff appearances, uncertainties remain over Peyton Manning’s health and Jim Caldwell’s future as coach, but sources told ESPN that one thing is certain: Owner Jim Irsay plans to take Andrew Luck with the draft’s first-round pick.
Footnotes. Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin has completed an interview for the Dolphins’ coaching job.
B The staffs of the Redskins and Vikings will coach in the Senior Bowl.
