Former Denver Broncos head coach and New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels was in Minnesota yesterday meeting with Leslie Frazier and other Vikings brass to discuss the offensive coordinator opening. As of this morning, no major media outlet is reporting that a hiring has been made. Reading the tea leaves states that Minnesota is an unlikely landing spot.
So what’s the story with McDaniels? Well the hot offensive coordinator candidate is now simply making the interview rounds with the Kansas City Chiefs as the most likely destination for the 2011 season (provided there is one).
Kansas City has essentially become “New England Midwest” since Scott Pioli moved from the VP of Player Personnel of the Patriots to the General Manager position of the Chiefs in 2009. Pioli hired both coordinators from the Patriots three Super Bowl winning seasons in 2001, 2003 & 2004 — Charlie Weis on offense (who failed at Notre Dame) & Romeo Crennel on defense (than just fired as the head coach of the Cleveland Browns). It didn’t just quit there. Pioli traded for Matt Cassel who led the Patriots to an 11-5 season in 2008. And who was Cassel’s offensive coordinator when Tom Brady suffered a season-ending knee injury… none other than Josh McDaniels.
The Vikings are likely to make some sort of coaching splash on offense with Leslie Frazier having a defensive background and the future of Darrell Bevell up in the air. However, with Charlie Weis leaving the NFL after this season to join the Florida Gators, it would only make sense that McDaniels waits until Kansas City has finished whatever sort of playoff run they can muster & talks to a familiar executive in Pioli before signing along any teams dotted line.
Jon Merckle may be followed on Twitter @thevikingpig