Josh McDaniels carries nearly two decades worth of institutional knowledge with the New England Patriots.
He was Bill Belichick’s right-hand man during the latter part of his tenure in New England and he’s led some of the best offensive groups in NFL history. With Mac Jones entering his second year in the league, the Patriots will need the right pieces in place to smooth out the transition. This is currently starting with Matt Patricia and Joe Judge taking offensive responsibilities.
While joining WEEI’s Ken and Curtis, legendary offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia explained what the Patriots will miss following McDaniels’ departure.
“I think where Josh is always going to be most missed is his ability to adjust the game play during the course of the game. It think he was extraordinary at that,” Scarnecchia said. “Secondly, he’s going to be missed because of his ability to mentor quarterbacks, especially during a game. I’ve already said this ad nauseam so many times: his being with the quarterback on the bench over the course of a game is both soothing and informative to them. Those two areas, plus I really think just the way, we had all of our meetings, and we were able to formulate plans, and come out with a common thing between everybody. It was a very, very pleasant environment.”
The Patriots won’t have an official offensive coordinator, just as they’ve went without a defensive coordinator for a few years. Patricia and Judge will handle play-calling responsibilities without the title.
“Josh didn’t have a title until his third season. He didn’t have a coordinator’s title, he was the quarterbacks coach,” Scarnecchia explained. “Then you go to Billy [O’Brien]. He didn’t have a title until his third season. Then he became a coordinator. He, too, was the quarterback coach. I see more of the same of that with either Joe or Matt or Nick, whoever they give it to, and I think it will be more of the same. They’re good coaches, they’ll work at it, and we have to hope for the best.”
When it comes to Jones, Scarnecchia has nothing but admiration and respect.
“One thing they do have, I think they have a really, really good young quarterback,” he said. “This guy, I think the world of him, and think he’s gonna be a good player.”
