Josh McDaniels on spurning Indy and sticking with Patriots: 'A difficult process'

FOXBOROUGH — In his first session with the local media since he changed his mind about taking the Indianapolis head coaching job, Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels said Friday the decision to return was part of a “difficult process,” but he sounds happy with the opportunity to stick with New England.

“Those things are not easy decisions to make,” he said. “I’m sure a lot of us have had to make decisions about what we feel like is best for ourselves, our career, our families. And I’m thankful to be here. This has been a great place for me, it’s really benefited me and my family. We’re grateful to have an opportunity to work for Mr. Kraft and his family, to coach for Bill (Belichick), and to be with the staff every day and the players that we have an opportunity to work with. It really is an opportunity that you have to cherish and be grateful for each day. And I certainly am.”

McDaniels said regardless of what might have happened, he says he’s still interested in being a head coach.

“I’ll say this — I’ve stated again and again: I definitely want to be a head coach again,” he said. “At the same time, I love being here, you know? This is where my kids were born and raised. We’ve made a pretty special life here, and that’s not an easy thing to leave. So there’s a lot to consider. Certainly leaving here, I don’t take that lightly. I would never take that lightly. It was a difficult process, and I’m very happy with the decision that we made. And grateful to be here and continue working toward the 2018 season.”

That led to the next logical question — if he wants to become a head coach and he loves being in New England so much, did he receive some sort of assurance that he’d eventually succeed Belichick?

“Nope. No. I mean, my role is the same,” he said. “Look, I think you’re … if you’re here, you have an opportunity to work with and for some of the best people in our game. Maybe some of the best people who have ever done those things in our game. So I feel like it’s a great opportunity to be here in my role. And I think all of us feel that way. What you get to see every day. Who you get to be around.

“I took four pages of notes yesterday in our squad meeting, and I’ve been here for a long time. So there’s a lot to get to build on and try to become better at your profession. I think we all do that. Whatever is going to happen in the future is going to happen. I’ll be happy with whatever that is. I just know I’m grateful to have the opportunity here to be the offensive coordinator here, coaching quarterbacks. Work with the offense and work with the people that I work for.”

McDaniels didn't sound concerned about the fact Tom Brady hasn't been around to this part in the offseason process.

"I have no doubt (Brady) is doing what he thinks is right for him and his family," McDaniels said. "I completely respect that. I know he'll be ready to go. I know he'll be in good shape, good condition. I'm sure he's working really hard. I'm not really worried about that."