McDaniels spurns Colts to remain with Patriots
INDIANAPOLIS — Josh McDaniels has backed out of a deal to become the Indianapolis’ Colts new coach, a decision that shocked the franchise hours after it announced his hiring.
The Colts confirmed McDaniels’ decision in a statement Tuesday night after reports emerged that the Patriots’ offensive coordinator had opted to stay in New England with coach Bill Belichick.
McDaniels had agreed to contract terms with the Colts to replace the fired Chuck Pagano .A news conference had been scheduled for Wednesday at Lucas Oil Stadium.
The Colts said McDaniels informed them Tuesday evening that he would not sign the deal.
By spurning the Colts after they waited 22 days to hire him, McDaniels leaves the reeling franchise as the only one without a coach. New England defensive coordinator Matt Patricia left Belichick’s staff a day after the Patriots’ Super Bowl loss to become coach of the Detroit Lions.
McDaniels has long been considered one of the best offensive minds in football and a top-tier head coaching candidate, although his previous head coaching stint with Denver ended badly. He went 8-8 with the Broncos in 2009 and 3-9 in 2010 before he was fired with three games left in the season. In other NFL news: • Carolina Panthers interim general manager Marty Hurney has been placed on paid administrative leave after his ex-wife, Jeanne, accused him of harassment.
Team spokesman Ryan Anderson confirmed Hurney is under investigation by the NFL under its personal conduct policy. The Panthers brought back Hurney, the team’s GM from 19982012, to be their interim general manager in July after then-owner Jerry Richardson fired Dave Gettleman days before the start of training camp.
• Police say the home of Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski was robbed while he was away at the Super Bowl. Foxborough (Mass.) Police Chief William Baker confirmed that his department is investigating a burglary at Gronkowski’s home. Baker declined to release information on what was stolen.
• Six former University of Texas players, all underclassmen, and four former Texas A&M players will journey to Indianapolis later this month to participate in the 2018 NFL scouting combine.
Texas left tackle Connor Williams, linebacker Malik Jefferson, safety DeShon Elliott, cornerback Holton Hill, punter Michael Dickson and running back Chris Warren have accepted invitations to the annual pre-draft event held from Feb. 27 to March 5 at Lucas Oil Stadium. They’ll be joined by Texas A&M receiver Christian Kirk, safety Armani Watts, punter Shane Tripucka and defensive tackle Zaycoven Henderson.