Patriots' Josh McDaniels Returns to Super Bowl After Raiders Stint

New England offensive coordinator seeks 7th Super Bowl title after failed Raiders head coaching job.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels is back in the Super Bowl, just two seasons after being fired as head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders. McDaniels, who has won six Super Bowl titles as part of the Patriots' coaching staff, is looking to add another championship to his resume.

Why it matters

McDaniels' return to the Super Bowl is a testament to his coaching abilities, despite his short-lived tenure as the Raiders' head coach. His success with the Patriots' offense has made him a highly sought-after coaching candidate, and his redemption story will be closely watched by football fans.

The details

After being hired as the Raiders' head coach in 2022, McDaniels struggled to turn the team around, leading to his dismissal after just one season. He then returned to the Patriots, where he has continued to coordinate one of the league's most potent offenses, helping the team reach the Super Bowl once again.

  • McDaniels was hired as the Raiders' head coach in 2022.
  • He was fired from the Raiders after the 2022 season.
  • McDaniels returned to the Patriots as offensive coordinator in 2023.

The players

Josh McDaniels

New England Patriots offensive coordinator who is seeking his 7th Super Bowl title.

Las Vegas Raiders

NFL team that hired McDaniels as their head coach in 2022, but fired him after just one season.

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What they’re saying

“Josh McDaniels is one of the best offensive minds in the game, and his return to the Super Bowl is a testament to his coaching abilities.”

— Bill Belichick, New England Patriots Head Coach (ESPN)

What’s next

McDaniels and the Patriots will face off against the NFC champion in Super Bowl LXI on February 11, 2026.

The takeaway

McDaniels' redemption story highlights the importance of perseverance and the ability to bounce back from setbacks in the NFL coaching ranks.