McDaniels to be introduced at 7 p.m. EST

Mike -

Any sense of whether McD had Belichick's blessing in taking this job? I do not sense there will be the rift/animosity that existed when Mangini abruptly departed for New York. Would that be accurate?

Mike, I just had to laugh when you mentioned that McD's contract was for four years. Why even bother mentioning that? Is there anyone in the entire world who doesn't know that sports contracts mean absolutely nothing as does the word of those signing them? Just ask BC's former coach!

Well, we'll surely find out where BB and McDaniel's relationship stands when the Patriots play the Broncos next year.

Belichick-Mangini rift was not because he took the NyJ job; in fact I remember Belichick praising Mangini once he was hired and saying it was a good hire. I think the rift came because Mangini was trying to take a few of Belichick's coaches and players with him ... that dint sit well with BB ... see, after all all teams get the permission before they can interview any candidate so if the organization has a problem they need not give permission at all, right?

With Dom Capers joining McD in Denver does this mean RAC will be back? or does he stay in Cleveland with fredo?

No rift. Belichick released a statement praising McDaniels this afternoon. In my view, that shows the respect that Belichick has for McDaniels.
--Mike

NE @Denver 2009 - now that's a chess match to anticipate. The last time (and one of the VERY FEW times) Pats won in Denver was the intentional safety game.

Bowlen seems to put more long-term faith in the proven commodities of Josh McD and his current cannon-armed QB, than the "need" for a defensive guru. Another plus is Josh McD's experience/success managing a RB "stable", as opposed to "feature back". Recall Denver had terrible, Patriot-like RB attrition this year - you figure they'll stick with the stable (non pun intended - really).

Josh must have convinced Broncs mgt. he could cohesively delegate defense to Nolan. We'll see how that works both terms of X&O's and personalities.

Will Josh be the one BB assistant to enjoy lasting success on his first HC gig?

NE @Denver 2009 - now that's a chess match to anticipate. The last time (and one of the VERY FEW times) Pats won in Denver was the intentional safety game.

Bowlen seems to put more long-term faith in the proven commodities of Josh McD and his current cannon-armed QB, than the "need" for a defensive guru. Another plus is Josh McD's experience/success managing a RB "stable", as opposed to "feature back". Recall Denver had terrible, Patriot-like RB attrition this year - you figure they'll stick with the stable (non pun intended - really).

Josh must have convinced Broncs mgt. he could cohesively delegate defense to Nolan, yet maintain ultimate responsibility. We'll see how that works both terms of X&O's and personalities.

Will Josh be the one BB assistant to enjoy lasting success on his first HC gig?