NFL Coaching Rumors: Josh McDaniels To New England as Offensive Assistant

Josh McDaniels will be named the Assistant to the Offensive Coordinator for the New England Patriots within the next 24 hours, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. McDaniels served as the St. Louis Rams Offensive Coordinator for the 2011 season.

McDaniels would report to New England immediately and coach the Patriots in the 2011 NFL Playoffs. With current Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien being named the next head football coach at Penn State University this week, McDaniels would help O'Brien with game preparations during the playoffs and presumably take over as the full time offensive coordinator next season.

McDaniels served as the offensive coordinator with the Patriots from 2006-2008, calling the shots for the Patriots' record setting offense in 2007. The Patriots still run the same offense, so McDaniels should be very familiar with the Patriots' scheme and terminology.

What does this mean for McDaniels' current employer, the St. Louis Rams?

According to the St. Louis Post Dispatch, the Rams are close to landing Jeff Fisher as their next head coach. If Fisher decides to coach the Rams, it is being reported that he would not retain McDaniels as the offensive coordinator, as Fisher has a more conservative offensive philosophy.

So, does McDaniels' exit signal Fisher's arrival in St. Louis?

It is starting to look like Rams owner Stan Kroenke will get his man, with Howard Balzer of ESPN Radio also reporting that Fisher is leaning heavily towards the Rams. If Fisher does come to St. Louis, it is being reported that he will assemble a "rock star" staff of assistant coaches.

Stay tuned for more coaching news.