Josh McDaniels Firing? How Patriots Source Reportedly Reacted To Speculation

So, what’s the deal with all of this speculation about Josh McDaniels’ job status with the Patriots?

Following New England’s Week 15 home loss to the Buffalo Bills, head coach Mike Vrabel made comments that raised eyebrows among Patriots reporters and pundits.

“I’ve never really tried to second-guess the play-calling,” Vrabel said on a “Greg Hill Show” episode. “I always think that the best plays are ones that are decisive, and that the players know and that they trust. And obviously there’s some better ones, but I don’t think there’s a perfect call. And so we get back and we look at it, and I’m sure there’s always going to be some ones that we’re going to want to have back.”

The remarks led to speculation about Vrabel potentially firing McDaniels as offensive coordinator after this season. However, Boston Sports Journal’s Greg Bedard threw cold water on that narrative during the latest episode of his podcast.

“I talked to people in the building and just said, like, ‘Hey, what’s going on with these comments?’ I got a lot of pushback,” Bedard said. “And then I told them, ‘Some people are speculating that Mike (Vrabel) could fire Josh (McDaniels) after the season. And, basically, I got laughed at — like, really, really hard. To the point where I was somewhat embarrassed that I asked the question. … It’s much ado about nothing.”

Sure, it’s fair to wonder whether Vrabel and McDaniels were an arranged marriage. Perhaps Vrabel would’ve hired a different offensive coordinator had he landed with a team other than the Patriots.

But the results speak for themselves. McDaniels has done an outstanding job leading the offense and has played a huge role in sophomore quarterback Drake Maye becoming an MVP candidate.

So, if people with the Patriots are laughing at the notion of McDaniels losing his job, then you should, too.