The now former Patriots offensive coordinator was named the Colts' head coach Tuesday -- two days after New England's Super Bowl LII loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. It is McDaniels' second head coaching foray in the NFL after he led the Denver Broncos during the 2009-10 seasons.
McDaniels' return to the head coaching ranks was anticipated. NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported in mid-January that McDaniels was expected to be named the Colts' new coach when the Patriots' season ended.
McDaniels will be formally introduced as head coach of the Colts during a news conference Wednesday.
Indianapolis went 4-12 this season in the team's sixth year under Chuck Pagano. After three consecutive 11-5 seasons to open up his tenure with the Colts, Pagano had back-to-back 8-8 years and then the 4-12 season, leading to his firing.
One thing McDaniels will get to utilize next season that Indianapolis did not have in 2017 is quarterback Andrew Luck. The No. 1 pick from 2012 sat out the entire season recovering from surgery he had in January of 2017 on his throwing shoulder.
During his second run with the Patriots, McDaniels' offense was top 10 in yards points and giveaway five of the six years. New England led the NFL in yardage and was second in points and giveaways in 2017.
He began his NFL coaching career as a personnel assistant with the Patriots in 2001, working his way up to his first stint as the team's offensive coordinator in 2006. He earned five Super Bowl rings during his time in New England.
McDaniels is the second significant change made by the Colts in as many years. Chris Ballard replaced Ryan Grigson as general manager in January 2017.
McDaniels' staff with the Colts is already taking shape, as he's expected to bring aboard Matt Eberflus as his defensive coordinator, Dave DeGuglielmo to run his offensive line, and Mike Phair to coach the defensive line, according to Albert Breer of The MMQB.
