McDaniels was in his first year as QB coach and de facto offensive coordinator after Charlie Weis left to take over the head coaching gig at Notre Dame.
Brady put together a Pro Bowl-caliber season that year, passing for over 4,000 yards for the first time in his career. Along with 4,110 yards, Brady threw 26 touchdowns and 14 interceptions.
McDaniels spoke about needing thick skin when talking about this period in his career.
"Charlie Weis was as good of a mentor and friend to me as I could have asked for," McDaniels told the Post.
"But at the same time, if my skin wasn't thick, he would have crushed me. That's not what I'm trying to do when I get animated. But I guess I don't react well in terms of trying to hold in whatever my emotions are telling me to do. I let it out."
The Patriots won the division title in 2005 with a 10-6 record, going on to lose to the Denver Broncos in the playoffs 27-13.
Whatever troubles McDaniels and Brady had seem to have been quickly resolved.
Two short years later, McDaniels — then officially the offensive coordinator — helped guide Brady to an NFL-record 50 passing touchdowns against a scant eight interceptions.
McDaniels moved on to become the head coach of the Denver Broncos prior to the start of the 2009 season, in which the Broncos started out 6-0 before collapsing and going 2-8 the rest of the way.
