Reports: McDaniels turns down Colts HC offer, to return to Patriots

Feb 6, 2018, 6:34 PM

Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels of the New England Patriots looks on during a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 18, 2015 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Patriots defeated the Colts 34-27. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

(Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

The biggest move of NFL offseason so far will be one in which Josh McDaniels doesn’t, as the Patriots offensive coordinator has reportedly turned down the Indianapolis Colts head coaching position in favor of returning to New England.

ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter, who called the move a “stunner,” reports that Patriots owner Robert Kraft made a last-ditch effort to keep McDaniels in New England by “sweetening his contact.”

In the past 48 hours, Patriots owner Robert Kraft began talking with Josh McDaniels and ultimately wound up sweetening his contract, helping to entice him to remain in New England, per sources. Bill Belichick has his OC back.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 7, 2018

The news comes hours after the Indianapolis Colts website and social media profiles announced McDaniels as their new head coach, going as far as to release the time and location of his introductory press conference on Wednesday.

We will live stream Josh McDaniel’s introductory press conference on all #Colts properties:

Colts Mobile App: https://t.co/fWBx0YUrWW
Twitter: https://t.co/Ug99H0toQ3
Facebook: https://t.co/j7SCQUHWd0
Colts Website: https://t.co/L0POMCe2XT pic.twitter.com/Au99JbgxKa

— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) February 6, 2018

Hello 2018.

📲 pic.twitter.com/XanXU7wr7j

— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) February 6, 2018

Get to know Josh McDaniels, who has agreed to terms to be our new head coach: https://t.co/Gr5ePZ47wr pic.twitter.com/ivXkMNGO50

— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) February 6, 2018

We are excited to welcome Josh McDaniels, who has agreed to terms as our new head coach!

Press conference scheduled for Wednesday. pic.twitter.com/FIzhqIf2y4

— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) February 6, 2018

Follow digital content producer Johnny Hart on Twitter: @johnnyhart7.