Colts Expected To Hire Patriots OC Josh McDaniels As Head Coach

New England Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia is reportedly set to leave for Detroit, and the Pats’ offensive coordinator is also now expected to have a new employer.

Josh McDaniels’ Departure from Patriots news

The Indianapolis Colts are set to hire Josh McDaniels as their head coach, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero.

McDaniels returned to Foxborough during the Pats’ 2011 playoff run and replaced Bill O’Brien as offensive coordinator in 2012. McDaniels has since helped lead New England to two Super Bowl titles (after the 2014, 2016 seasons) and could propel the Pats to a third before going to Indiana.

Reports have recently surfaced of a rift among Patriots leaders Tom Brady, Bill Belichick and Robert Kraft, and McDaniels’ name was also mentioned in an ESPN story that detailed several tensions within the franchise, including a verbal fight between the offensive coordinator and Brady in December.

Some speculation has been floated around as to McDaniels’ and Patricia’s potential replacements, although nobody has yet been confirmed.

According to sports radio network WEEI, the top internal candidate to replace McDaniels would be wide receivers coach Chad O’Shea, who has held that job since 2009.

WEEI also mentioned Ohio State defensive coordinator Greg Schiano could be considered to lead the Pats’ offense.

The Patriots defeated the Tennessee Titans 35-14 on Saturday and will face the Jacksonville Jaguars in Sunday’s AFC Championship Game.