UPDATE (10 p.m. ET): It’s officially… off.
The Indianapolis Colts on Tuesday night confirmed the stunning news that Josh McDaniels has backed out of an agreement to become their next head coach, opting to stay in his role as New England Patriots offensive coordinator.
Here’s the Colts’ statement on McDaniels’ decision:
“After agreeing to contract terms to become the Indianapolis Colts’ new head coach, New England Patriots assistant coach Josh McDaniels this evening informed us that he would not be joining our team. Although we are surprised and disappointed, we will resume our head coaching search immediately and find the right fit to lead our team and organization on and off the field.
“The scheduled press conference at Lucas Oil Stadium will not take place (Wednesday). More information will be forthcoming.”
ORIGINAL STORY: It’s finally official: Josh McDaniels is the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts, and Bill Belichick now must replace both of his coordinators.
The Colts on Tuesday announced what everyone had expected for weeks, hiring the New England Patriots offensive coordinator as their next head coach. Indianapolis will introduce McDaniels at a Wednesday press conference, the team announced.
https://twitter.com/Colts/status/960905690335404032
According to The MMQB’s Albert Breer, McDaniels’ coaching staff already is taking shape.
Per sources, the Colts also have contracts in place with three of Josh McDaniels' new assistants: Defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, OL coach Dave DeGuglielmo and DL coach Mike Phair.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) February 6, 2018
The news comes one day after the Detroit Lions named Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia as their new head coach. That means Belichick needs two new coordinators for the first time since 2005.
It was reported long before the Super Bowl that the Colts would hire McDaniels. However, reports surfaced Sunday that McDaniels might be having second thoughts, but that appears overstated given Tuesday’s news.
The Indy stint marks McDaniels’ second crack as head coach. He guided the Denver Broncos to an 8-8 record in 2009 but was fired 13 weeks into the 2010 season after Denver started 3-9.
The 41-year-old got his first NFL job with the Patriots in 2001 and eventually ascended to offensive coordinator in 2006, a role he held for three years before leaving for Denver. After being fired by the Broncos, McDaniels spent a season as the Rams’ offensive coordinator before returning to New England, where he spent another six seasons and helped the Patriots win two Super Bowl titles.
