Based on how quickly Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels got a handful of interview requests, it seems like he'll finally leave the New England Patriots this year after a few offseasons of flirting in the coaching market.
Tom Brady has excelled under numerous coordinators but this still isn't welcome news.
"I see why there is a lot of interest and there should be because I think he's the best in the NFL," Brady said on WEEI-FM in Boston on Monday. "Great coaches get opportunities and he's fortunate to be in a position where he should get them because he's earned it. I would hate to lose him, but I think it's always aspirational for a coach because it's great to lead a team, lead an organization."
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported that McDaniels will speak with the Rams, 49ers and Jaguars this week.
Out of Brady's three offensive coordinators -- Charlie Weis, McDaniels and Bill O'Brien -- Brady has seemed to connect the most with the 40-year-old McDaniels. Since returning to his post as Patriots offensive coordinator in 2012, McDaniels has overseen 21,603 Brady passing yards, 156 touchdowns and 37 interceptions.
"He's been spectacular in every way for me," Brady said. "I could never be the player that I am without him and he challenges me every week. I have so much confidence in him as a coach and his abilities and the way he leads our offense. He's spectacular and it would be tough to lose him. We certainly aren't going to lose him in the next two weeks. Like I said, I hope he doesn't for my own personal sake, but I can understand all those reasons why these other teams would want him to lead their organization."
Teams looking to hire McDaniels are betting on the hope that he's changed from his time in Denver. Then in his early thirties, McDaniels burned the candle at both ends and wasn't able to bring his New England experience out west.
In the years since, he has talked about mellowing out and learning from the experience. But just as Brady gives McDaniels credit for getting him prepared, McDaniels owes Brady a debt of gratitude as well. Would there really be a second chance without him?
