UPDATE: Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels has agreed to interviews this week with the Atlanta Falcons and San Francisco 49ers, according to CBSSports.com’s Jason La Canfora. Both teams are searching for a new head coach.

Pats OC Josh McDaniels, who has passed on some HC possibilities in recent yrs, agreed to interview w/ATL and SF this week in New England — Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) December 31, 2014

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport had reported Monday evening that both the Falcons and the 49ers had requested permission from the Patriots to interview McDaniels for their head-coaching vacancies.

The #Falcons have requested permission to speak with #Patriots OC Josh McDaniels, source says. — Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 29, 2014

The #Falcons aren’t alone for #Patriots OC Josh McDaniels. I’m told the #49ers have also requested permission to interview him. — Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 29, 2014

ORIGINAL STORY: Following newly minted Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh’s departure from San Francisco last night, ESPN’s Adam Schefter said Josh McDaniels is among those being considered for the vacancy.

In his conference call this morning, McDaniels danced around the reports.


“I haven’t even thought about that, to tell you the truth,’’ he said. “I know that this is that time of year, but I know that there is also a procedure in place, and those things will sort themselves out. I’ve said a number of times I’m very happy here… my focus has been on the Patriots. It will stay on the Patriots right now.’’

According to Schefter, San Francisco is expected to request an interview with McDaniels, Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, Broncos offensive coordinator Adam Gase and others. Coordinators with playoff teams are allowed to interview for head-coaching positions during bye weeks.

There is some precedent for Patriots coordinators winning coaching positions during bye weeks: Offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien (2011) landed his job with Penn State during the Patriots first-round bye following the 2012 season. O’Brien remained with the team during the playoffs, but McDaniels was brought in as an assistant before being named OC in the off-season.

Like his coordinator, Bill Belichick was vague in discussing the reports.

“I have no idea really what exactly we’re talking about because nothing has happened,’’ he said. “But if something does happen then whichever coach it is, we’ll follow the procedures that are set up for the league to take care of this type of situation.’’


The 38-year-old McDaniels entered the league in 2001 as a Patriots personnel assistant, rising through the ranks to become the team’s offensive coordinator in 2006. The McDaniels-run offense in 2007 scored a then-NFL record 75 touchdowns and 589 points.

McDaniels’ success with the Patriots earned him the Denver Broncos head coaching position before the 2009 season. His tenure was rocky, and he was fired after Week 13 of his second year, having compiled an 11-17 record.

McDaniels became the Rams’ offensive coordinator before the 2011 season and was released from his contract after head coach Steve Spagnuolo was fired at the end of the season. He returned to New England, where his offenses finished 7th and 1st in points in 2013 and 2014 respectively.

Boston.com’s Jeff Pini contributed to this story.