Report: 49ers, Falcons Seek Patriots Permission To Interview Josh McDaniels
BOSTON (CBS) - Black Monday left numerous head coaching positions across the NFL vacant (with multiple others in jeopardy, as well), and Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels is a candidate to fill at least two of those jobs, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter and other media outlets.
According to the reports, both the San Francisco 49ers and Atlanta Falcons have reached out to the Patriots, seeking permission to interview McDaniels for their head coaching gigs.
Because the Patriots are on a bye, league rules allow for McDaniels to interview for other jobs and talk to other teams.
"I know that this is that time of the year, but I know that there is also a procedure in place, and those things will sort themselves out," McDaniels said during a conference call Monday. "I've said a number of times I'm very happy here. I think I've got one of the best jobs you could possibly have, and I'm just trying to do the best I can here. My focus has been on the Patriots. It will stay on the Patriots right now."
McDaniels got his NFL start in New England in 2001 as a personnel assistant. He coached multiple positions from 2002-on, and in 2006 he served as both offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach until 2008, before taking the Denver head coaching job in 2009.
McDaniels was 11-17 in his two seasons in Denver and was let go before the conclusion of the 2010 season.
McDaniels returned to an assistant role with St. Louis in 2011, and when the Rams fired head coach Steve Spagnuolo after the 2011 season, McDaniels came back to New England as an offensive assistant during the team's 2011–12 playoff run.
McDaniels resumed the role of offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach from 2012 until present day after Bill O'Brien left Foxboro for Happy Valley to coach Penn State.
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