BY SAM HOLLINGSWORTH
Before his stints in St. Louis and Denver, McDaniels was the last offensive coordinator of the Patriots, before current/leaving offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien. O'Brien was formally introduced as the next head coach for the Penn State Nittany Lions Saturday.
"For five years, Bill's outstanding work with our quarterbacks and entire offense has led to record-setting performances," Patriots coach Bill Belichick told the media. "His presence and command before our team has grown into that of a inspirational leader. This is a great match between a storied program and a old-school football coach. Bill will be up to the task and I couldn't be happier for him, Colleen and the O'Brien family."
It's really a win-win for both parties involved. The Patriots need a guy calling the plays with that gunslinger mentality once O'Brien departs, with a proper balance of sugar and spice. McDaniels did it with New England from 2006-08. O'Brien had what it took, too. But the chances of both, O'Brien leaving and McDaniels coming, seem nearly unfathomable.
"Over the course of his long coaching career, Bill O'Brien has met every personal and professional challenge head on with great passion and competitiveness," Belichick said. "I expect Bill to draw on his deep background in college football and the NFL to continue attracting and developing top players."
McDaniels left New England in '08 for his head coaching debut with the Broncos, but it was short-lived. After two seasons, one that included a defeat of the Patriots and another cut short by his firing, McDaniels soon found himself leading the sub-par offense of the Rams.
Now, with O'Brien ready to ship south to Pennsylvania after what New England hopes will be a Super Bowl season, McDaniels is on his way back to the New England staff and will assume O'Brien's job at the end of the season.
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