McDaniels joined the Patriots as an offensive assistant before their first playoff game last year after serving as offensive coordinator of the St. Louis Rams. McDaniels then officially took over as New England offensive coordinator when his predecessor, Bill O'Brien, became coach at Penn State.

Daboll was a defensive assistant with the Patriots from 2000-2001 and wide receivers coach from 2002-2006. He was quarterbacks coach for the New York Jets from 2007-2008 before becoming offensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns for two years and the Miami Dolphins and Chiefs for one year each.

‘‘Having another set of eyes with experience and (someone who) has a lot of understanding of our system and how we go about doing things, I think, is only a positive,’’ McDaniels said. ‘‘Every detail is very critical at this time of year and having another football coach on your staff to help is nothing but helpful.’’

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