Josh McDaniels, the offensive coordinator for the New England Patriots, confirmed in a conference call Monday morning that he will remain with the Patriots.
McDaniels had been a candidate to become head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, but multiple media reports early Monday indicated that he had withdrawn his name from consideration.
In the conference call, McDaniels said, “I was really impressed with (San Francisco CEO) Jed York and … the people that came from the 49ers’ organization, they did a great job with their presentation and, again, humbled to be included in that conversation. At this time it’s just best for my family and myself to remain here in New England and focus on this year’s playoffs and finish off the year, however it turns out.”
The Patriots (15-2) will play the Pittsburgh Steelers (13-5) in the AFC championship game at 6:40 p.m. Sunday at Gillette Stadium with the winner advancing to the Super Bowl. New England, which defeated Pittsburgh 27-16 on Oct. 23, is playing in its sixth consecutive AFC title game, an NFL record.
McDaniels, in his 13th season with the Patriots’ organization, had also interviewed for the head coaching positions in Jacksonville and Los Angeles during the Patriots’ bye weekend. Both those teams made hires last week.
McDaniels, 40, is in his second stint as Patriots offensive coordinator. He first joined the organization in 2001 and was offensive coordinator from 2006-08. He then left to become coach of the Denver Broncos, where he complied an 11-17 record and was fired after 12 games in his second season.
He rejoined the Patriots in January of 2012, helping them in their playoff run. After Bill O’Brien left to become head coach at Penn State, McDaniels was again named offensive coordinator for the 2012 season.
“I’ve always said how grateful I am for this opportunity to work here for Mr. Kraft and his family and to coach under Bill (Belichick) and with a lot of great guys on our staff and have the privilege to work the players that we get to work with each day,” said McDaniels. “It’s a great opportunity. I’m very thankful to be here and very much looking forward to this week against Pittsburgh.”
Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia had also interviewed for the head coaching positions in Los Angeles and San Diego, both of which have been filled.
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