McDaniels reflects on family connection to Super Bowl

Thom McDaniels, father of Patriots OC Josh McDaniels, prepares to watch his son coach in his 10th Super Bowl

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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As a longtime high school football coach, Thom McDaniels is used to the pressure of the big game. But as a spectator watching his son, Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, coach in his 10th Super Bowl, the anxiety is palpable. Thom, who coached at several Ohio high schools including Canton McKinley, Warren G. Harding, and Massillon Jackson, admits he "turns into a basket case" when he's just a fan with no control over the outcome. This Sunday, Thom and the rest of the McDaniels family will be in the stands at Levi Stadium cheering on Josh as the Patriots take on the Seahawks in Super Bowl LX.

Why it matters

The McDaniels family's deep connection to football and the Super Bowl is a unique story that highlights the generational impact the sport can have. Thom McDaniels' coaching career spanned decades and culminated in a state championship, while his son Josh has become one of the most successful young coordinators in the NFL, appearing in 10 Super Bowls before the age of 50. Their shared passion for the game and the high-pressure moments of the biggest stage demonstrate the powerful bonds that can form within a football family.

The details

Thom McDaniels, a hall of fame high school coach in Ohio, compiled a 209-81 record over his career, including seven playoff appearances and two state title game trips with Canton McKinley. His son Josh played for him at McKinley before becoming a coach himself, starting as a graduate assistant at Michigan State in 1999. Josh joined the Patriots in 2001 and has since won six Super Bowl rings as an assistant coach, including the team's first title in his rookie season. This Sunday will mark Josh's 10th Super Bowl appearance, an astounding accomplishment for someone not yet 50 years old.

  • Thom McDaniels coached at Canton McKinley, Warren G. Harding and Massillon Jackson from the 1980s through the 2000s.
  • Josh McDaniels joined the Patriots as an entry-level assistant coach in 2001.
  • Josh McDaniels won his first Super Bowl ring with the Patriots in his rookie season in 2001.
  • This Sunday, February 9, 2026, will mark Josh McDaniels' 10th Super Bowl appearance as a coach.
  • The Patriots and Seahawks will kick off Super Bowl LX at 6:30 p.m. local time.

The players

Thom McDaniels

A hall of fame high school football coach in Ohio who compiled a 209-81 record over his career, including seven playoff appearances and two state title game trips with Canton McKinley.

Josh McDaniels

The offensive coordinator for the New England Patriots, who has won six Super Bowl rings as an assistant coach and is making his 10th Super Bowl appearance this Sunday at just under 50 years old.

Bill Belichick

The head coach of the New England Patriots, who brought Josh McDaniels onto his staff in 2001 and has helped guide his career.

Ben McDaniels

The younger son of Thom McDaniels, who is the wide receivers coach and offensive passing game coordinator for the Houston Texans.

Nick Saban

The former head coach at Michigan State, where Josh McDaniels began his coaching career as a graduate assistant in 1999.

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What they’re saying

“I suck as a spectator. I'm awful. I have so much anxiety because I have zero input to any outcome.”

— Thom McDaniels, Hall of Fame high school football coach (tribtoday.com)

“When I came to Canton as an assistant in 1980, Josh was always by my side. He was 4 years old and he was never more than a few feet away from wherever I was during practices.”

— Thom McDaniels, Hall of Fame high school football coach (tribtoday.com)

“This team plays like a group of guys that grew up together, and they've been playing together since they were in the sixth grade, and now they're in high school. They are so excited and they're having so much fun. They play with so much energy and emotion and they truly celebrate whoever makes the big play.”

— Thom McDaniels, Hall of Fame high school football coach (tribtoday.com)

What’s next

The McDaniels family will gather at Josh's home to watch Super Bowl LX, with Thom, Chris, and other family members cheering on Josh as he tries to win his seventh Super Bowl ring as a coach.

The takeaway

The McDaniels family's deep roots in football and their shared passion for the game, from Thom's hall of fame high school coaching career to Josh's remarkable rise to the top of the NFL, is a testament to the powerful bonds that can form within a football family. Their story highlights the generational impact the sport can have and the unique perspective a coach-turned-spectator can bring to the biggest stage in the sport.