Josh McDaniels Named NFL Assistant Coach of the Year

Josh McDaniels was named NFL Assistant Coach of the Year, with the honor announced ahead of Thursday night’s NFL Honors. He became the first Patriots assistant to win the award since it was introduced in 2014, earning 17 of 50 first-place votes and a total of 249 points. McDaniels finished ahead of Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, and Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.

McDaniels returned to New England after Mike Vrabel was hired as head coach and was recognized largely for his work developing second-year quarterback Drake Maye, who is now an MVP candidate. Vrabel credited McDaniels’ success to strong player execution and praised the collective effort behind the achievement. McDaniels’ latest award adds to a long tenure with the Patriots, where he has served in multiple stints dating back to 2006.