Over the weekend, PFT reported on the preliminary lists generated by the NFL Career Development Advisory Panel of recommended coaching and G.M. candidates for 2017. From the Patriots, only defensive coordinator Matt Patricia appeared on either list.
On Tuesday, Patriots coach Bill Belichick was asked to comment on the omission of offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels from the coaching list.
“The comment that I would have would be number one – I think that both Josh [McDaniels] and Matt [Patricia] . . . are great coaches,” Belichick said, via quotes distributed by the team. "[They] should absolutely be on any head coaching list. I can’t imagine that there are many other coaches that could present a resumé equal or comparable to theirs. They’ve done a great job here for a sustained period of time so a great track record. I think, I personally think, that a list of head coaching candidates that didn’t include them would be incomplete. A similar comment on the General Manager thing with Nick [Caserio], which I don’t know if he was or wasn’t included. I think somebody told me that he wasn’t included, so I would have the same comment for him. He does a tremendous job as well. I can’t imagine any list not having those three people.”
McDaniels wasn’t on the preliminary list because it’s perceived by the panel that he’ll remain in New England until Belichick retires and then succeed him. Which Belichick probably would prefer, if he were telling the complete and total truth.