Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels

Status: Requested interview

Pros: Sometimes coaching greatness does rub off, though and NFL teams have been trying to repeat Bill Belichick’s success for two decades now without much to show for it. Few have managed to stick around as long as McDaniels has, though. Since he became New England’s offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach in 2012, the Patriots have never finished lower than No. 7 in points scored, which happened this year. It hasn’t all been Tom Brady, either. Last year, New England’s Super Bowl run was largely fueled by a reinvigorated rushing attack. McDaniels also has previously worked as a head coach with the Broncos.

Cons: Scheme is key but culture and accountability are massively important for any coach. If nothing else, the level of trust Ron Rivera built with his players during his time in Carolina was remarkable. McDaniels put a black mark on his record by backing out of a deal to become the Colts’ head coach a couple offseasons ago. Players will remember that and it will eat into his credibility wherever he goes. McDaniels and McCarthy both have questions in his intangible area.