In a decision that shocked the NFL, Josh McDaniels, the legendary offensive coordinator of the New England Patriots with 6 Super Bowl championships, has officially rejected the offer to become head coach of the Tennessee Titans. The development occurred right after the Titans fired head coach Brian Callahan last week, opening a search for a new coach for the team mired in crisis with a 1-5 record.

According to sources from ESPN and NFL Network, the Titans approached McDaniels with an attractive offer, including a 5-year contract worth over 40 million USD and full control of the coaching staff. This was an opportunity for McDaniels, who had previously failed in head coaching roles with the Denver Broncos (2009) and Las Vegas Raiders (2022), to prove himself again. However, after several discussions, McDaniels politely declined, choosing to stay with the Patriots under head coach Mike Vrabel.

In a press conference at Gillette Stadium, McDaniels emotionally shared:

“My heart belongs to the Patriots. This is where I started my career, where I learned everything from coach Belichick, and where we made history with 6 Super Bowl rings. I don’t want to leave this family, especially as we are building the future with QB Drake Maye. The Titans are a great team, but my mission remains here.”

This decision is seen as a major victory for the Patriots, who are highly ranked in the AFC East thanks to the offensive system designed by McDaniels. He has helped Drake Maye, the No. 3 draft pick QB of 2025, throw for over 1,200 yards and 10 TDs in just 6 weeks. McDaniels’ attachment to New England dates back to 2001, when he joined under Belichick, and reached its peak with championship campaigns in 2004, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020.

The Titans’ reaction was no less surprising. Owner Amy Adams Strunk expressed regret but respected McDaniels’ choice. The team is currently negotiating with other candidates like Bill O’Brien and Kliff Kingsbury, while appointing Mike McCoy as interim head coach for the Week 7 matchup against the Patriots.

For McDaniels, this decision affirms rare loyalty in the NFL. “I have learned that success is not always about leaving, but about building long-term,” he said. Patriots fans cheered, knowing that their “offensive brain” will continue to lead the team to new heights. Amid the Titans’ chaos, the stability in Foxborough becomes a model for the entire league.