Source Says Colts Are Closing In On Deal To Hire Josh McDaniels

AP News reports New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels could soon join the team's big AFC rivalry. On Monday a source familiar with negotiations said the Indianapolis Colts are "close" to reaching a deal that would put McDaniels in the recently opened head coach spot, AP reports. According to the news outlet, the person requested anonymity as the two teams have not yet agreed to terms.

The Colts parted ways with head coach Chuck Pagano on New Year's Eve, after six seasons. However, even though the team is reportedly close to making a deal with McDaniels, the league rules prohibit the Colts from making an official announcements until the Patriots' season ends.

New England will host Jacksonville in Sunday’s AFC Championship game. If the Pats win, the announcement wouldn’t come until at least Feb. 5, after Super Bowl LII Weekend in Minneapolis.

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If McDaniels were to become head coach of the Colts, he would reunite with Jacoby Brissett, who he worked with for almost 16 months in New England after returning there in 2012, AP reports. That's where McDaniels' coaching contributed to six consecutive conference championship games and two Super Bowl wins. Before this he was with Denver and the St. Louis Rams.

Remember the infamous "deflategate" AFC title game against the Colts and Patriots? McDaniels was with the Patriots during that big 2014 game.

The Colts reportedly interviewed at least five candidates before McDaniels and Houston defensive coordinator Mike Vrabel became the finalists.

More: apnews.com

Photo credit: Charles Krupa/Associated Press