Rob Gronkowski predicts Josh McDaniels firing will shake up Pats coaching staff

During a recent appearance on FanDuel TV’s “Up & Adams,” Gronk predicted that a McDaniels reunion could spell the end for one of the Patriots' top assistant coaches. The former All-Pro tight end also made it clear that he had no sources and was merely pointing out a gut feeling.

“I feel like Billy O'Brien may be out of there after this year,” Gronkowski said. “So if that's the case, I think Josh McDaniels comes back as offensive coordinator in New England, that's for sure.”

Gronkowski’s belief isn’t totally farfetched.

The Patriots rank 26th in total offense and 31st in scoring this year under O’Brien, who was brought in during the offseason to be an upgrade over play caller Matt Patricia. However, the numbers show O’Brien has actually been worse. New England ranked 26th in total offense and 17th in scoring in 2022 with Patricia calling plays.

Not to mention quarterback Mac Jones had his best year when McDaniels was his OC in 2021, posting a 10-7 record as a starter and throwing for 3,801 yards, 22 touchdowns and 13 interceptions while making the Pro Bowl.

In the two seasons since McDaniels has been gone, Jones is 8-14 as a starter and he’s thrown 23 touchdowns against 19 interceptions with Patricia and O’Brien coaching him.

McDaniels spent 10 years as the Patriots offensive coordinator from 2012 to 2021 before becoming the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022. New England consistently ranked in the top half of the league in most offensive categories under McDaniels. 

Gronkowski believes returning to the team with which he had so much success in a role he seems much more comfortable could be just what McDaniels needs to get back on track.

“When he was an offensive coordinator, he came in ready to go, always fired up, always happy,” Gronkowski added. “Just looking at his face now and seeing him as a head coach, he seems very, very stressed since he's been with the Las Vegas Raiders.”