New England Patriots QB Mac Jones Reacts To Josh McDaniels Firing
When New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones burst onto the scene as a rookie in 2021, he did so under the guidance of offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels.
Jones was the best rookie quarterback in his class, completing 67.6 percent of his passes for 3,801 yards, 22 touchdowns and 13 interceptions to finish second in Offensive Rookie of the Year voting. Since then, though, Jones hasn't come close to playing as well as he did as a rookie. A large part of that is due to the lack of stability at offensive coordinator, as Matt Patricia and Joe Judge split the role in 2022 while Bill O'Brien holds it this season.
Of course, the reason why McDaniels left the Patriots was to become the new head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders. He didn't last long in the role, though, as the Raiders fired him and general manager Dave Ziegler, another former Patriot, on Wednesday after less than two full seasons.
With his former offensive coordinator now in the unemployment line, Jones took some time out of Wednesday's press conference to show McDaniels some appreciation.
Jones and McDaniels meet after a game.
"Yeah, I have a lot of respect for Josh and his family," Jones said. "I had a great experience with him and, like you said, we have a good relationship and it's a tough part of the business. So, definitely, thoughts are with him."
Beyond just a personal relationship, Jones also learned a lot from McDaniels in just one year. While not going too in-depth, Jones briefly reflected on the lessons McDaniels taught him as a rookie.
"I always take coaching points from all the coaches I've worked with, and you kind of carry those along with you in kind of your workbook in your head," Jones said. "What did coach tell me in high school? What did coach tell me in college? And, with Josh, what did he tell me my rookie year? You kind of take a little bit from each coach and learn."
With how many Patriots assistants end up returning to New England after going elsewhere, it's possible that Jones and McDaniels could reunite soon. Coach Bill Belichick declined to comment on any potential McDaniels reunion, but it is a certainly a possibility going forward.
