Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Josh McDaniels

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: October 27, 2025

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Josh McDaniels made an impact.

Josh McDaniels is an American football coach currently serving as the offensive coordinator for the New England Patriots. He has held this position for 14 non-consecutive seasons. Before returning to New England, McDaniels was the head coach of the Denver Broncos (2009-2010) and the Las Vegas Raiders (2022-2023), experiencing limited success in those roles. His career is primarily defined by his long tenure and contributions to the Patriots' offensive strategies.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2007: Patriots set NFL records with McDaniels as offensive head

In the 2007 season, with McDaniels at the helm of the offense, the Patriots set NFL records, scoring 75 touchdowns (67 on offense, 50 passing and 17 rushing) and 589 points.

January 2008: McDaniels withdraws name from consideration for head coaching job during playoffs

During the Patriots' January 2008 playoff run, McDaniels withdrew his name from consideration for a head coaching job.

January 11, 2009: Named Head Coach of the Denver Broncos

On January 11, 2009, the Denver Broncos named McDaniels their head coach, replacing Mike Shanahan, and agreed to sign a four-year, $8 million contract.

April 2, 2009: Broncos trade Jay Cutler to the Chicago Bears

On April 2, 2009, the Broncos traded Jay Cutler and a 2009 fifth-round draft pick to the Chicago Bears for quarterback Kyle Orton, first- and third-round picks in 2009 and a first-round pick in 2010.

January 18, 2011: McDaniels agrees to become offensive coordinator for St. Louis Rams

On January 18, 2011, McDaniels agreed to become the offensive coordinator for the St. Louis Rams under head coach Steve Spagnuolo.

February 6, 2018: McDaniels Agrees to Coach Colts, Then Withdraws

On February 6, 2018, McDaniels was announced as the new head coach of the Indianapolis Colts, but he withdrew from the position on the same day and announced that he had decided to stay with the Patriots, leading to his agent terminating their representation.