It certainly seems as if Josh McDaniels will be the next coach of the Colts, but the Patriots are making the anticipation as agonizing as possible.

The Patriots offensive coordinator’s future ultimately seemed set weeks ago when it was expected McDaniels would take the helm in Indianapolis. But there are whispers he might stay put in New England — especially with him and the Patriots dodging questions about his future following their 41-33 Super Bowl LII loss to the Eagles on Sunday night.

Unlike defensive coordinator Matt Patricia, who was named the head coach of the Lions on Monday as expected, McDaniels hasn’t told the organization that he’s jumping ship for the coaching gig with the Colts, Pro Football Talk reported Sunday afternoon. During the game, the site reported there’s “increasing chatter” that McDaniels might not leave the Patriots.

The Patriots have not shot down these whispers. McDaniels was short when asked if he was taking the Colts job after the loss.

“I’m not going to talk about that tonight,” replied McDaniels.

Patricia did the same after the Patriots’ emotional loss, then welcomed the Lions job with open arms less than 24 hours later.

“I’m incredibly honored and grateful to be named Head Coach of the Detroit Lions,” Patricia said in a statement.

Longtime Colts Fox59 Colts reporter Mike Chappell reported early Monday that Indianapolis indeed was moving forward with McDaniels as its head coach, saying the Colts would be “royally pissed” if the two sides break the “unofficial” agreement in place.

On Monday, Patriots head coach Bill Belichick said he has no idea about McDaniels’ status.

“You’d have to talk to the teams involved,” Belichick said.

So what happens will be decided in the coming days. Perhaps McDaniels is waiting to see if Belichick is preparing his retirement — Belichick didn’t entertain those questions Monday.

The Colts need a head coach and the Patriots need clarity, and neither side has it officially.

Patricia, meanwhile, whom the Giants considered for their head coaching vacancy, was ready to take the next step in his career, but not before showing sincere gratitude for Belichick’s mentorship.

“Lastly, I’d like to express my appreciation and thanks to Bill Belichick. He’s been a remarkable mentor to me, not only as a football coach but also as a man and as a friend,” Patricia said. “I have learned immensely from his detailed leadership approach to the game, which has certainly shaped me into the football coach that I am today. Quite simply, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work with, who I believe, is the greatest coach in NFL history.

“Now I turn all of my attention to the Lions.”