Patriots coach McDaniels stuns Colts with U-turn
LOS ANGELES: New England Patriots coach Josh McDaniels stunned the Indianapolis Colts on Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila), dramatically reversing an earlier decision to join the franchise and opting to stay in Boston.
worst-kept secrets in the NFL earlier Tuesday, saying Patriots offensive coordinator McDaniels had agreed to join the Colts as head coach.
- triots quarterback Tom Brady and a key lieutenant of head coach Bill Belichick, was due to be formally unveiled at a press conference on Wednesday.
But in a shocking U-turn late Tuesday, the Colts announced that McDaniels, 41, had changed his mind.
“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,” the Colts said in a statement. Josh McDaniels talks with Dion Lewis No. 33 prior to Super Bowl LII against the Philadelphia Eagles at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
“Although we are surprised and disappointed, we will resume our head coaching search immediately
McDaniels’s departure was one of the most prominent offseason changes expected at the Patriots, who suffered an upset 41-33 defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles in Sunday’s Super Bowl.
However, ESPN reported that Patriots owner Robert Kraft had lobbied McDaniels to rethink, and ultimately persuaded him to stay with an offer of an improved contract.
with the Patriots in two separate stints with the franchise.
On Monday, Patriots defensive co departure. He will join the Detroit Lions as head coach.
The Patriots, meanwhile, may also face personnel changes, with star tight end Rob Gronkowski hinting he may retire in the aftermath of Sunday’s Super Bowl loss in Minneapolis.
future for sure,” Gronkowski told reporters. “I’m going to sit down in the next couple of weeks and see where I’m at,” he added.