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History Favors Josh McDaniels In His Next Head Coaching Shot

By Erik Lambert

Aug 18, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels heads off the field after the game against the Chicago Bears at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Bears 23-22. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 18, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels heads off the field after the game against the Chicago Bears at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Bears 23-22. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
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It’s only a matter of time now before the NFL is ready to give New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels another head coaching opportunity.

Most have long since gotten over his rather disastrous run with the Denver Broncos. During that time he alienated a Pro Bowl quarterback in Jay Cutler. Then he oversaw one of the most painful collapses in franchise history (6-0 start to 8-8 finish). His regime had the dubious honor of trading up into the 1st round to draft Tim Tebow and lastly he was fired after just 12 games into his second season. It was an embarrassing time for him.

Word is the 40-year old was humbled by the experience in a big way. He’s learned some valuable lessons and in the meantime has found great success back in New England. He now has a Super Bowl ring and continues to garner league-wide praise for his great work with Jimmy Garoppolo and Jacoby Brissett in the absence of Tom Brady.

The best part is that history offers a favorable eye to head coaches who take over their second team in their NFL careers. Here are just a few examples and what they were able to accomplish.

Mike Shanahan

  • Coached Raiders from 1988-1989
  • Took over Broncos in 1995. Won two Super Bowls.

Dick Vermeil

  • Coached Eagles from 1976-1982
  • Took over Rams in 1997. Won a Super Bowl.

Jon Gruden

  • Coached Raiders from 1999-2001
  • Took over Buccaneers in 2002. Won a Super Bowl.

Tony Dungy

  • Coached Buccaneers from 1996-2001
  • Took over Colts in 2002. Won a Super Bowl.

Tom Coughlin

  • Coached Jaguars from 1995-2002
  • Took over Giants in 2004. Won two Super Bowls.

Gary Kubiak

  • Coached Texans from 2006-2013
  • Took over Broncos in 2015. Won a Super Bowl.

Bill Belichick

  • Coached Browns from 1991-1995
  • Took over Patriots in 2000. Won four Super Bowls.

The list is as long as it is impressive. Not only are there several coaches who have pulled off such a feat, but all of them came within the past 20 years. That bodes well for Josh McDaniels. It’s just a matter of finding which team will give him the opportunity he seeks.

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