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When Josh McDaniels shocked the NFL world by deciding to back down from the Indianapolis Colts' head coaching job to remain the offensive coordinator with the New England Patriots, it was widely assumed, and eventually reported, that McDaniels was likely assured the Patriots' head coaching job when Bill Belichick eventually retires.
Apparently, that's not the case.
It's still very possible that McDaniels is eventually promoted in New England, but according to ProFootballTalk's Mike Florio, he was not promised the job or given a “firm commitment” for the future.
A lot can change over the next few years, especially if Belichick remains New England's top guy after star quarterback Tom Brady retires. As Florio notes, Patriots owner Robert Kraft said he hopes Belichick continues to coach into his 80s (he's currently 65). While that might sound a little ridiculous, even five more years sitting behind Belichick might make McDaniels reconsider taking a head coaching job else where.
That is, if anybody is willing to consider him after what he pulled with the Colts. If he continues to succeed in Foxborough, his reputation around the league may soften again.
As we saw with the Baltimore Ravens as they transition from Ozzie Newsome to Eric DeCosta as general manager after the 2018 season, teams can put together written commitments to promote executives or coaches within the organization and not violate the Rooney Rule. The Patriots have not limited their flexibility, as no such agreement has been put together, or is planned to be made.
Perhaps McDaniels was verbally assured that he'll be a top candidate for the job should it open soon, but there simply is not a guarantee.
