The University of Florida is interested in New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, according to FootballScoop.com.
"Per sources, I understand that [Florida athletic director Jeremy] Foley considers New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels a viable candidate and is vetting him as well," wrote Scott Roussel.
"From my channel checks, I didn't get the sense that an offer to either of these guys [Colorado State head coach Jim McElwain] or to anyone else was imminent but Foley is doing his diligence and working towards a hire. From the feedback I was getting, I think this search has at least a few more days, and perhaps a few more turns as well."
ESPN's Adam Caplan lists McDaniels as one of the top NFL coaching candidates as well.
"McDaniels was probably too young when he became the Denver Broncos' head coach at 32 in 2009," Caplan wrote. "Part of the problem was McDaniels was also given personnel control, which was clearly too much for him to handle during his short tenure with the team. He was fired with an 11-17 record with four games left in the 2010 season. McDaniels has recovered nicely from his time with the Broncos and is again one of the most respected assistant coaches in the NFL. More than one NFL source said he was thought to be on the 49ers' list of candidates had Jim Harbaugh not accepted the San Francisco head coaching position in 2011."
Honestly, McDaniels was a total flop in Denver. This is the guy that drafted Tim Tebow in the first round, after all. This is a guy who feuded with his starting quarterback so much he had to trade him.This is a guy who lost four straight games to close out his first season.
After the Broncos wised up, McDaniels spent one season as the offensive coordinator with the St. Louis Rams. The team ranked 31st in total offense. Since then, McDaniels has been under the safe and familiar protection of Bill Belichick.
Guess how man assistants under Belichick are currently still head coaches in the NFL? One. Bill O'Brien in his first year ever as an NFL head coach in Houston. Scott Pioli, the "brilliant" Pats front office executive, has floundered outside of New England. Not exactly a sparkling precedent.
I'm not saying that Florida should be wary of handing the reigns to McDaniels. I'm saying they should steer the reins in the completely opposite direction.
