The shock about Northeast Ohio native Josh McDaniels saying no to the Indianapolis Colts about their head coaching position came about only because there was no evidence that he would turn them down.
But with that having been said, once there was a question about what he wanted to do, the fact that he ended up staying put as offensive coordinator of the New England Patriots is very believable.
That was obvious from the time that the news broke that Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and Patriots owner Robert Kraft had apparently set up a secession plan for him to take over as head coach once the former Browns head coach retires, whenever that is. New England is one of the best pro sports franchises – if not the THE best. There is stability there throughout the organization, beginning with ownership. There is a system there – a way of doing things. It is a wonderful place to work.
Plus the New England area is a great place to live. McDaniels’ family obviously likes it there, and he did not ant to uproot his wife and children and take them to a nice place, certainly, in Indianapolis, but a much different place nonetheless. Family members already make enough sacrifices to accommodate a coach/husband/father. Having grown up as the son of a coach – his father, Thom, is a legend in Oho high school football – McDaniels knows that all too well. To add to that is not something he cared to do.
Along with that, there is no guarantee that the Colts’ Andrew Luck will ever be the kind of quarterback he was before he got hurt. You can’t win at any level, especially in the NFL, without a good quarterback.
Considering all that, then, McDaniels’ decision is hardly a shock. Taking a new job many miles away, whether it’s in the NFL or another profession, is a major move. And if you don’t feel good about it – if you’re not silly enough to think that the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence – then you’re better off to stay put.
And that’s what Josh McDaniels, the former Massillon High School quarterback, did.
So really, what’s so surprising?
