Other than the success he's had with the Patriots, the biggest factor that makes me mostly sold on McDaniels is the substantial support of Bill Belichick. What better endorsement does one need? If McDaniels was truly that "bad," I highly doubt Belichick and the Patriots would want him so badly and do things to keep him. The fact that they did try to keep him tells me that this guy isn't nearly as bad as it may look.
Originally Posted by: DoddPower
I half agree with that. The Pats are doing their best to keep him around as a coordinator, not as a head coach. I don't think anyone would disagree with you if you called McDaniels one of the better offensive minds in the league. The problems arrise when he has to manage situations by himself.
Whether it's fueding with just about everyone in Denver or the total mishandling of that Colts opening, he hasn't really shown that he's a guy you want to have running the show.
I think it can work if you don't give him too much power. I don't want him in a position that he could push through a complete culture change like he tried in Denver or that he has too big an influence on the roster. His autoritarian style of leadership doesn't fly anymore in any part of society, really. I hope he's learned that much from his time in Denver.
That said, I could see past all of that. I mean, he was only 32 when he was named head coach of the Broncos and I'm sure that was one heck of a learning experience.
The thing I find more worrying is how the whole Colts thing played out. You can say you've learned from your mistakes and how you're a changed man, but if you don't act like it, that holds very little value.
He just completely fumbled that situation. If he wanted to stay in New England but wanted more control/salary/influence, you go and talk with the management there. You don't bolt off and make a 180 when you do get what you want. If you don't want to relocate your family and kids, you don't accept an offer to coach a team in another state. If the structure of the organization you're joining doesn't sit well with you, you mention that in your interview and see what can be done about it... Or don't even consider joining the team.