9 Winners, Losers: Patriots' McDaniels Hire

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Post on Jan 22, 2025

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9 Winners and Losers: The Patriots' McDaniels Hire

The NFL offseason is a whirlwind of coaching changes, player signings, and unexpected twists. One of the biggest storylines this year was the return of Bill O'Brien to the New England Patriots as offensive coordinator, and the subsequent hiring of former Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels as head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders. This move sent ripples throughout the league, creating a clear list of winners and losers. Let's break down nine key figures affected by this significant hire.

Winners

1. Josh McDaniels: This is the most obvious winner. After a less-than-stellar stint with the Denver Broncos, McDaniels has returned to a head coaching role. The Raiders, with their young quarterback and talented roster, offer him a real opportunity to prove himself. This is a chance to reshape his legacy and finally achieve sustained success as a head coach. He's betting on himself, and a successful Raiders season greatly benefits his career trajectory.

2. The Las Vegas Raiders (potentially): The Raiders' potential is massive. With a strong offensive core and a dedicated fanbase, the team desperately needed a fresh start. If McDaniels can successfully implement his offensive scheme and bring stability to the franchise, the Raiders could be a serious playoff contender. Their success directly hinges on his coaching abilities, making this a high-stakes gamble that could pay off big.

3. Bill O'Brien: O'Brien's return to New England as offensive coordinator is a massive win for him. He's back in a familiar environment where he can focus on what he does best: crafting an offensive game plan. He gets a second chance to showcase his talents after a brief stint with the Alabama Crimson Tide. This move offers him significant leverage in future coaching opportunities.

4. Mac Jones (potentially): While his future remains uncertain, the return of Bill O'Brien to the Patriots might benefit Mac Jones. O'Brien’s history of developing quarterbacks gives Jones another chance to prove he is capable of leading a winning offense in the NFL. His success, however, will ultimately depend on his own performance and the overall team chemistry.

5. Patriots' Offensive Players (potentially): With O'Brien's proven track record of developing quarterbacks and offensive systems, the Patriots' offensive players stand to benefit from his expertise. O'Brien's offensive schemes will undoubtedly allow them to showcase their talents more effectively, increasing their overall playing effectiveness.

Losers

1. The Denver Broncos (indirectly): While not directly involved in the McDaniels hiring, the Broncos are indirect losers. Their previous gamble on Nathaniel Hackett didn't pay off, highlighting the challenges of finding the right head coach. McDaniels' success in Las Vegas would further underscore their coaching search failure.

2. The Previous Raiders Coaching Staff: The McDaniels hire means a complete overhaul of the Raiders' coaching staff. The previous coaches have lost their positions, leaving them to seek new opportunities. This emphasizes the volatility of the NFL coaching profession.

3. Patriots Fans (potentially): While the return of O'Brien is a positive, some Patriots fans might have reservations about Mac Jones's future. If Jones doesn't perform up to expectations under O'Brien, the fanbase might experience renewed disappointment.

4. Potential Rival Coaches: McDaniels' success would elevate him to the top of the coaching ranks, potentially creating more competition and less opportunity for other aspiring head coaches. This is a subtle but important factor within the competitive NFL coaching landscape.

5. The "What If" Scenario for Patriots: Had the Patriots decided to stick with the incumbent offensive coordinator, the team might have seen a different development trajectory for Mac Jones and the offensive line. This "what if" scenario presents a potential missed opportunity for the Patriots.

The McDaniels hire is a multi-faceted event with far-reaching consequences. Only time will tell who truly emerges as a winner and who will be left to grapple with the fallout. The upcoming season will be crucial in determining the ultimate impact of this significant coaching move.