History of Josh McDaniels in Timeline
Josh McDaniels is a prominent figure in American football, primarily known for his long and successful tenure as offensive coordinator for the New England Patriots. He began his NFL career with the Patriots in 2001 and served as their offensive coordinator for 14 seasons across two separate stints. His first stint, from 2006-2008, saw the Patriots achieve remarkable offensive success, including setting a then-record for points scored in a single season and completing a perfect 16-0 regular season in 2007. McDaniels' second stint with the Patriots, spanning from 2012-2021, was marked by the team winning three Super Bowls. He was also involved with all six of the Patriots' Super Bowl victories during the Brady-Belichick era.
April 22, 1976: Birth of Joshua Thomas McDaniels
Joshua Thomas McDaniels was born on April 22, 1976. He would go on to become a notable American football coach with a significant career in the NFL, especially with the New England Patriots.
1995: Start of McDaniels' college football career
Josh McDaniels began his college football career in 1995 at John Carroll University, where he played as a wide receiver. He had been a quarterback in high school but did not play that position in college.
1997: Thom McDaniels Named High School Coach of the Year
In 1997, Josh McDaniels' father, Thom McDaniels, was awarded the USA Today High School Coach of the Year title in Ohio, an event credited with influencing Josh's pursuit of a coaching career.
1998: End of McDaniels' college football career
In 1998, Josh McDaniels completed his college football career at John Carroll University, where he played primarily as a wide receiver. His time at the university set the stage for his future in football coaching.
1999: Coaching career begins at Michigan State University
Josh McDaniels began his coaching career in 1999 as a senior graduate assistant at Michigan State University under coach Nick Saban. This opportunity was partly due to his father's friendship with Saban.
2001: Joins New England Patriots as personnel assistant
In 2001, Josh McDaniels joined the New England Patriots as a personnel assistant, marking the beginning of his significant NFL coaching career with the team.
2001: Connection with Patriots staff through college teammate
In 2001, Josh McDaniels joined the New England Patriots staff, coinciding with his college teammate Nick Caserio also joining the Patriots, highlighting the connections formed during his college years at John Carroll.
2001: McDaniels begins NFL career with New England Patriots
In 2001, Josh McDaniels started his career in the National Football League by joining the New England Patriots. This marked the beginning of a long and distinguished tenure with the team.
2002: Serves as defensive coaching assistant for Patriots
Josh McDaniels served as a defensive coaching assistant for the New England Patriots in 2002, gaining valuable experience in the early stages of his career with the team.
2003: Works with Patriots defensive backs
In 2003, Josh McDaniels worked specifically with the defensive backs of the New England Patriots, further developing his coaching skills and knowledge.
2004: Becomes Patriots quarterbacks coach
Josh McDaniels was promoted to quarterbacks coach for the New England Patriots in 2004, marking a significant step in his coaching career with the team.
2005: Unofficially coordinates Patriots' offense
Although not officially named, it was suggested in 2005 that Josh McDaniels was the one calling offensive plays for the Patriots. This role set the stage for his official promotion to Offensive Coordinator.
2006: First stint as Patriots Offensive Coordinator begins
Josh McDaniels began his first stint as the Offensive Coordinator for the New England Patriots in 2006, a role he would hold until 2008. This period was marked by significant achievements, including setting a season record for points scored.
2007: Patriots set NFL records under McDaniels
During the 2007 NFL season, Josh McDaniels led the New England Patriots' offense to set records with 75 touchdowns and 589 points, showcasing his strategic prowess.
2007: Patriots' perfect regular season
In 2007, under the guidance of Offensive Coordinator Josh McDaniels, the New England Patriots completed a perfect regular season, winning all 16 games and setting a season record for points scored.
January 2008: McDaniels withdraws from head coaching consideration
In January 2008, amid rumors of head coaching offers, Josh McDaniels withdrew his name from consideration, focusing on the Patriots' playoff run. He received guidance from Bill Belichick on leadership and coaching.
2008: McDaniels leads Patriots' offense without Brady
In 2008, Josh McDaniels directed the Patriots' offense to an 11-5 record despite losing starting quarterback Tom Brady to injury in Week 1, demonstrating his adaptability and coaching skill.
2008: Promoted to Patriots' Offensive Coordinator
Josh McDaniels was officially promoted to Offensive Coordinator for the New England Patriots in 2008, solidifying his role as a key figure in the team's offensive strategy.
2008: End of first stint as Patriots Offensive Coordinator
The year 2008 marked the end of Josh McDaniels' first stint as the Offensive Coordinator for the New England Patriots. During this time, the team achieved great success, including setting a record for most points scored in a season.
January 11, 2009: Named Head Coach of the Denver Broncos
On January 11, 2009, Josh McDaniels was named the head coach of the Denver Broncos, marking a new phase in his career with a four-year, $8 million contract.
March 9, 2009: Controversy over Jay Cutler trade talks
On March 9, 2009, a controversy erupted involving Josh McDaniels and an alleged trade offer for quarterback Jay Cutler, leading to trust issues between Cutler and the Broncos.
April 2, 2009: Jay Cutler traded to Chicago Bears
On April 2, 2009, the Denver Broncos, led by Josh McDaniels, traded quarterback Jay Cutler to the Chicago Bears, marking a significant roster change for the team.
2009: Head Coach of Denver Broncos
In 2009, Josh McDaniels was appointed the head coach of the Denver Broncos. His tenure as head coach was challenging and ultimately concluded with his dismissal during his second season.
2009: Steve Scarnecchia hired by McDaniels
In 2009, Josh McDaniels hired Steve Scarnecchia as the director of video operations for the Denver Broncos, a decision that would later lead to controversy within the organization.
November 27, 2010: Broncos under investigation for videotaping incident
On November 27, 2010, the Denver Broncos, under head coach Josh McDaniels, were investigated by the NFL for videotaping a 49ers practice, a controversy that marred McDaniels' coaching tenure.
2010: End of McDaniels' tenure as Broncos Head Coach
Josh McDaniels' time as head coach of the Denver Broncos ended in 2010, marking a challenging period in his coaching career as he was let go during his second season with the team.
2010: Trade fallout continues to impact McDaniels' tenure
The repercussions from the controversial trade talks and the Cutler trade continued to affect Josh McDaniels' tenure with the Denver Broncos in 2010, contributing to his eventual dismissal.
January 18, 2011: McDaniels becomes Rams' Offensive Coordinator
On January 18, 2011, Josh McDaniels was appointed the Offensive Coordinator for the St. Louis Rams under head coach Steve Spagnuolo, marking his return to a key coaching role in the NFL.
2011: McDaniels joins Patriots for playoffs and future role
In 2011, after being released by the Rams, Josh McDaniels joined the New England Patriots as an offensive assistant for the playoffs and was set to become the offensive coordinator in 2012.
2012: McDaniels Returns as Patriots Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach
In 2012, Josh McDaniels returned to the New England Patriots, serving as both the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach until his departure for Las Vegas, with the exception of 2020.
2012: Second stint as Patriots Offensive Coordinator begins
In 2012, Josh McDaniels rejoined the New England Patriots as their Offensive Coordinator, starting his second stint with the team. This period would bring further success, including multiple Super Bowl titles.
2012: Begins role as Patriots Offensive Coordinator
In 2012, Josh McDaniels officially began his role as the New England Patriots Offensive Coordinator, succeeding Bill O'Brien and marking a significant return to the team.
2014: Patriots win Super Bowl XLIX with McDaniels
During the 2014 season, Josh McDaniels was part of the coaching team that led the Patriots to win Super Bowl XLIX against the Seattle Seahawks, overcoming a 10-point deficit in the fourth quarter.
2016: Patriots' dramatic Super Bowl LI victory
In 2016, Josh McDaniels helped coach the Patriots to a dramatic Super Bowl LI victory over the Atlanta Falcons, overcoming a 25-point deficit to win 34-28 in overtime.
February 6, 2018: McDaniels Accepts and Withdraws from Colts Head Coaching Position
On February 6, 2018, Josh McDaniels accepted the head coaching position for the Indianapolis Colts, only to withdraw on the same day and remain with the Patriots. This decision led to his agent terminating their professional relationship.
2020: Jedd Fisch Hired as Patriots Quarterbacks Coach
In 2020, Jedd Fisch was hired as the quarterbacks coach for the New England Patriots, marking the only year during McDaniels' second stint where he didn't hold that position alongside his offensive coordinator role.
2021: End of second stint as Patriots Offensive Coordinator
The year 2021 marked the end of Josh McDaniels' second stint as the Offensive Coordinator for the New England Patriots, a role in which he helped the team secure three Super Bowl titles.
January 31, 2022: McDaniels Hired as Raiders Head Coach
On January 31, 2022, Josh McDaniels was hired as the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders.
2022: Head Coach of Las Vegas Raiders
In 2022, Josh McDaniels took on the role of head coach for the Las Vegas Raiders. However, his tenure was again unsuccessful, leading to his firing during his second season in 2023.
2022: McDaniels Faces Criticism for Raiders' Performance
Throughout 2022, Josh McDaniels faced criticism for the Las Vegas Raiders' struggles, particularly their inability to close out games and a loss to the Indianapolis Colts led by interim coach Jeff Saturday. Despite this, Raiders owner Mark Davis expressed support for McDaniels.
September 24, 2023: McDaniels Criticized for Late-Game Decisions Against Steelers
On September 24, 2023, during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Josh McDaniels faced criticism for opting for a field goal while trailing by eight points with limited time remaining, a decision that ultimately contributed to the Raiders' loss. He was further scrutinized for saying after the game that it was a "two possession game."
October 31, 2023: McDaniels Fired by Raiders
On October 31, 2023, Josh McDaniels was fired by the Las Vegas Raiders after a 3-5 start to the season, concluding his tenure with a 9-16 record. Subsequently, the NFLPA ranked McDaniels as the lowest-rated head coach in the league for 2023.
2023: Fired as Head Coach of Las Vegas Raiders
Josh McDaniels was fired as the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders in 2023, marking another challenging chapter in his coaching career as he was let go during his second season.