Patriots Rumors: Latest on Josh McDaniels, Thomas Brown, OC Search Under Mike Vrabel

The New England Patriots have hired head coach Mike Vrabel, and now work kicks into high gear to form a staff.

On Saturday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network provided an update on the offensive coordinator search. Unsurprisingly, ex-Pats OC Josh McDaniels appears to be the favorite.

"Most people believe that Josh McDaniels, former Patriots OC (actually a couple times), still lives in New England, currently not working, would be a prime candidate for the job," Rapoport said.

"Considered to be the favorite. I would expect Mike Vrabel to talk to him as they go about the process to try to find a new offensive coordinator."

On Tuesday, Vrabel interviewed ex-Chicago Bears interim head coach Thomas Brown. The team also wants to speak with Los Angeles Chargers passing game coordinator Marcus Brady.

The 48-year-old McDaniels worked for the Patriots from 2001-2008 and again from 2012-2021. He was the team's offensive coordinator from 2006-2008 and 2012-2021.

Vrabel played for the Pats from 2001-2008, so he obviously knows Vrabel. And given McDaniels' success and 18 years in New England, it's clear why he'd be the top choice.

The Patriots certainly need a bright offensive mind to shepherd this team in the right direction. They have a special talent in rookie quarterback Drake Maye, who impressed in his first year at the helm. McDaniels worked with the best in the business in Tom Brady and could certainly impart his wisdom and get the best out of Maye moving forward.

McDaniels is the clear favorite in the clubhouse, but it's not a lock he gets the job. ESPN's Adam Schefter provided an update on the Pat McAfee Show and said Vrabel will "hear from a lot of people" before he hires an OC.

So the Brown interview (and the potential Brady discussion) certainly makes sense, and it's possible more talks with other offensive minds happen too given the Schefter report.

For now, though, McDaniels does make the most sense at the position given his past in New England, his familiarity with Vrabel and his track record of success. McDaniels' offense finished top eight in scoring in all but one of his seasons as the Patriots' OC.

New England just finished 30th in that department in 2024, so McDaniels could certainly provide a massive boost to the team going forward.