New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels is among the top candidates for a promotion, and the Tennessee Titans absolutely could use someone like him.
Jared Stillman of ESPN Nashville notes ESPN insider John Clayton said McDaniels is interested in Tennessee’s head-coaching vacancy.
John Clayton (@ClaytonESPN) just said on @1025TheGame that Patriots OC Josh McDaniels wants the Tennessee Titans HC job.
— Jared Stillman (@JaredStillman) January 6, 2016
Rumors have connected McDaniels — who compiled an 11-17 record while the Denver Broncos head coach in 2009 and part of 2010 — to the Cleveland Browns, but it was unclear if he’d bother leaving a Super Bowl contender to take on a disaster with no quarterback.
The Titans, on the other hand, have a budding star behind center. Marcus Mariota joined Tennessee after being selected with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2015 NFL draft. Developing the Oregon product certainly must be appealing for an offensive-minded coach.
In 12 appearances, Mariota completed 62.2 percent of his passes for 2,818 yards and 19 touchdowns compared to 10 interceptions. The dual-threat quarterback added 252 rushing yards and two scores.
Most importantly, though, Mariota is by all accounts a quick learner and willing student. He’d have the chance to progress under one of the most successful offensive coaches.
McDaniels has spent seven years over two stints as the Patriots coordinator. New England has never finished below No. 8 in scoring offense with McDaniels calling plays, though quarterback Tom Brady deserves a little credit for that success, one might say.
But if hype ultimately matches production, Mariota can eventually dominate the NFL like Brady has done for more than a decade. For McDaniels, Mariota’s potential surely beats Cleveland’s mess.