FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Bill Belichick knows what it’s like to be a longtime NFL assistant coach in hopes of landing a head-coaching opportunity, and that seemed to be the impetus for him to tout three of his top staffers for that type of opportunity during his Tuesday conference call.

Specifically, Belichick was asked about a report on NBC’s “Football Night in America,” which was detailed by Pro Football Talk, that said offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels was not included on an NFL preliminary list of head-coaching candidates for 2017. The list, which includes Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia, is put together by the NFL's Career Development Advisory Panel, according to PFT.

Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels said he'd like to be an NFL head coach again "at the right place and the right time." Winslow Townson/USA TODAY Sports

While relaying that he didn’t hear the report firsthand, Belichick said, “I think both Josh and Matt are great coaches who should absolutely be on any head-coaching list. I can’t imagine that there are many other coaches that could present a résumé equal or comparable to theirs. They’ve done a great job here for a sustained period of time, so great track record. I personally think that a list of head-coaching candidates that didn’t include them would be incomplete.”

Belichick then introduced director of player personnel Nick Caserio into the discussion as well.

“I have a similar comment on the general manager thing with Nick, which I don’t know if he was or wasn’t included. I think somebody told me that he wasn’t included,” Belichick said. “He does a tremendous job as well. I can’t imagine any list not having those three people.”

A source told Pro Football Talk that McDaniels was left off the list because the thinking is that he’s intent on staying in New England until Belichick retires.

During his weekly conference call Tuesday, McDaniels was asked about that.

“I’m aware of the report and I’ll try to clear that up. Look, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I definitely would love to be a head coach again. There are only 32 of those in the world. They are opportunities that don’t come around very often, and if you would ever be so fortunate and blessed to have another opportunity to do it -- for myself, it would be a second time -- that would be an opportunity I would look forward to,” he said.

“It would have to be at the right place and the right time, which is what I’ve always said. I try to make good decisions, what’s best for my family and myself. Again, somebody would have to offer that opportunity because you’re lucky if you get that. That’s my mindset, and anything that was reported about my thinking or my plans or the things that I want to do -- the other day I saw that; those things I would say are unfounded.

“That being said, that’s all I’ll say about it. I love being here, I’m excited to get to work on the Jets, and look forward to practicing with our guys.”