Breaking: Josh McDaniels spurns Colts to return to New England

Only hours after the Colts announced that Josh McDaniels as their new head coach, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the offensive coordinator decided to return to New England at his original position. Reports for weeks stated that McDaniels to the Colts was a done deal, with multiple coordinators signing agreements with the organization. The Colts released this statement:

“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 tomorrow. More information will be forthcoming.”

The recently hired coordinators will keep their roles in the Indy despite a new head coach coming in, which could make finding a candidate willing to inherit these coordinators. The Colts and these coordinators found out about the move through twitter. Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, also reported that McDaniels was making offers over the phone to numerous other prospective coordinators.

What happened between the announcement this morning and tonight? Josh McDaniels reportedly entered the Patriots facility planning on packing up his things to come to Indy, but a lengthy meeting with owner Robert Kraft swayed the offensive coordinator to stay.
This shocking move took the NFL world, blindsiding the Colts organization, who are now in the process of setting up interviews with three candidates in the next 24-48 hours. Some other possible candidates thrown around by media members are Chiefs Special Teams coach Dave Toub, Eagles offensive coordinator Frank Reich, Eagles quarterback coach John DeFilippo, and Bills defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier.

Frank Reich is coming off a masterful postseason, helping guide the offense when Carson Wentz went down, finding their way to a Super Bowl victory with their backup quarterback. This effort culminated in an excellent showing in the Super Bowl in a 41 point effort with Nick Foles winning MVP. Reich was a Colts assistant from 2008-2011, so the connection is there.

Think of John DeFilippo as this year’s Sean McVay, a young offensive mind who could become the next hot thing in the league. NFL coaches, executives, and players alike rave about DeFilippo’s work ethic and football acuity, which should be music to Colts fans ears.

Dave Toub was a fan favorite by many Colts fans for a long time, and his apparent connections to GM Chris Ballard is undeniable. FPC Colts have talked in extensive detail about Toub’s candidacy as the Colts head coach here.

The last candidate, Frazier, may be the least inspiring, but possibly what the Colts need. Another form Colts assistant from 2005-2006, and helped guide the Colts defense to a Super Bowl win. A man who can clean up a situation like the Colts is in right now, as he did in Minnesota in 2012.

The Colts are in a horrible situation; what Josh McDaniels did to Chris Ballard and Indy are inexcusable, and he will likely be blackballed from taking another job anywhere in football besides New England. This may be hard for Indianapolis fans to hear, but good riddance, a man with the lack of integrity like McDaniels, is not a man you want leading your franchise.

Article by Maxx Hotton
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