Report: Josh McDaniels' Agent Told Him It Was Mistake Backing Out on Colts

Josh McDaniels' agent reportedly told the New England Patriots offensive coordinator that backing out of an agreement to become the Indianapolis Colts' head coach was the wrong move.

According to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo on Good Morning Football (h/t NFL.com's Kevin Patra), agent Bob LaMonte told McDaniels he was making "perhaps the biggest professional mistake of his career."

Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Colts confirmed McDaniels informed them Tuesday night that he would remain with the Patriots rather than becoming their new head coach.

Later on Wednesday, Dan Graziano of ESPN reported LaMonte has terminated his relationship with McDaniels after the decision to spurn the Colts.

The Colts issued the following statement on McDaniels' decision (via Schefter):

"After agreeing to contract terms to become the Indianapolis Colts' new head coach, New England Patriots assistant coach Josh McDaniels this evening informed us that he would not be joining our team. Although we are surprised and disappointed, we will resume our head-coaching search immediately and find the right fit to lead our team and organization on and off the field."

Per Schefter, Patriots owner Robert Kraft held conversations with McDaniels and restructured his contract to get him to stay.

Also, McDaniels reportedly had reservations about moving his family from New England to Indianapolis.

McDaniels' decision has led to speculation that there may be a handshake deal for him to take over as the Patriots' head coach whenever Bill Belichick retires, although no such written agreement exists, according to Garafolo.

The change of heart puts the Colts in a difficult position, since all other teams that had a vacant head coaching spot have filled them, meaning most of the top candidates are off the market.

McDaniels has previous head coaching experience with the Denver Broncos and a strong track record as an offensive coordinator, but the optics of going against his word could prevent him from receiving future opportunities.

While McDaniels would have inherited a Colts team that had the NFL's third-worst record last season, he also could have had a potentially dynamic offense, provided quarterback Andrew Luck returns to full health following a shoulder injury.

As things stand, McDaniels will remain in charge of a Patriots offense that ranked second in points per game last season and scored 33 points in a Super Bowl LII loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.