MORE NFL Patriots OC McDaniels not going to Colts,
Coordinator decides to remain with New England.
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 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 today at Lucas Oil Stadium.
The team says McDaniels informed them Tuesday evening he would not sign the deal.
“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 Colts said in the statement.
The Patriots and McDaniels’ agent, Bob LaMont, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
■ An immigrant who was living illegally in Indiana when he was arrested in a suspected drunken-driving crash that killed Colts linebacker Edwin Jackson had a history of misdemeanor convictions and arrests, including at least two previous instances of driving under the influence, authorities said Tuesday.
President Donald Trump drew added attention to the death on Twitter, calling the highway collision that killed him and another man “disgraceful.” Manuel Orrego-Savala, the driver believed to be responsible for Sunday’s crash on Interstate 70 in Indianapolis, had been deported twice in the past decade.
Patriots: Cornerback Malcolm Butler said he didn’t miss a curfew or do anything off the field that forced him to the bench for the Super Bowl. Butler says reports of misconduct off the field are “ridiculous.”
He says he visited with family every night while in Minneapolis. He adds, “I never attended any concert, missed curfew, or participated in any of the ridiculous activities being reported. They are not only false, but hurtful to me and my family.” Before the Super Bowl, Butler was on the field for 98 percent of the Patriots’ defensive snaps and started 17 of their 18 games. But he made it on the field for only one special teams play Sunday. Belichick has not said why Butler was benched.
Saints: The team released defensive tackle Nick Fairley with a non-football illness designation after he missed all of the 2017 season because of a heart condition. Fairley will have to use the grievance process or legal action to receive any more money from a four-year extension he signed during the 2017 offseason that could have been worth up to $28 million. The 6-foot-4, 308-pound Fairley had a career-best 6½ sacks for the Saints in 2016. But during a checkup last offseason, doctors flagged symptoms related to Fairley’s enlarged heart.
Panthers: The team placed interim general manager Marty Hurney on paid leave after his ex-wife accused him of harassment last week.
Titans: The named Terrell Williams defensive line coach, Keith Carter offensive line coach and Tony Dews running backs coach. Williams was the Dolphins’ defensive line coach the past three seasons. Carter was the Falcons’ running backs coach in 2017.
Draft order: The Super Bowl champion Eagles will choose last, following the Patriots in this spring’s draft. The Browns will pick first April 26 in Arlington, Texas.