Patriots Ownership Reportedly Wants This For Drake Maye’s Development

As the Patriots search for their next head coach, the position of offensive coordinator still belongs to Alex Van Pelt for the time being, but that could change.

Van Pelt built a strong relationship with Drake Maye, and the young quarterback has been vocal about how much he developed under his system.

Even with Maye showing strides in his development, Patriots ownership is not committing to Van Pelt holding onto his job, according to Boston Sports Journal’s Mike Giardi.

“You’ve probably seen Josh McDaniels’ name come up quite a bit, especially over the last few days (Greg Bedard has been on this),” Giardi wrote on Thursday. “Ownership wants a proven play-caller/quarterback coach to oversee Drake Maye’s growth, and they have great comfort with and an affinity for McDaniels. As a two-time failed head coach, there’s zero fear that McDaniels will succeed as the OC and parlay that into another HC opportunity, meaning he and Maye can grow together.”

Giardo continued: “There is the question about the differing approach/style that McDaniels will bring versus what Alex Van Pelt did. ‘Alex has a gentler touch. Josh can be abrasive. They better be sure that’s something the QB is good with,’ said a source with knowledge of both coaches.”

McDaniels might be a perfect fit for Maye, given the success he had with the Patriots during the Tom Brady and Bill Belichick era.

Of course, if the Patriots hire reported front-runner Mike Vrabel as Jerod Mayo’s successor, he could decide to move on from Van Pelt and reunite with his former colleague.