Josh McDaniels, former head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, is reportedly returning to the NFL coaching cycle following his departure from the Raiders midway through the 2022 season. McDaniels, who had a previous tenure as the head coach of the Denver Broncos and a long stint as an offensive coordinator with the New England Patriots, has been linked to various head coaching opportunities as teams seek to fill vacancies.
McDaniels’ time with the Raiders was tumultuous, as his tenure ended with a 9-16 record over 1.5 seasons, culminating in his firing midway through the 2023 season. His leadership was heavily scrutinized due to a lack of progress, poor offensive performances, and difficulties in maximizing the potential of quarterback Derek Carr, who was eventually released. Despite this, McDaniels’ resume as a play-caller and offensive mind has maintained his reputation within the league.
McDaniels’ next potential opportunity could see him revisiting roles that involve working with quarterbacks, as he has demonstrated success in that area as both a coach and coordinator. His relationship with Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, for example, has been lauded as a key factor in New England’s sustained success during their dynasty years.
As the NFL coaching carousel spins, McDaniels will likely be considered by teams looking for experienced leadership and offensive innovation. While his time in Las Vegas may have been a failure, McDaniels is far from out of the NFL picture, and his return to a new team will be closely watched as he attempts to redeem his coaching career.
