Josh McDaniels has left the NFL in shock after pulling out of Colts role

JOSH McDaniels sent shockwaves throughout the NFL when he backflipped on a move to the Indianapolis Colts to stick with the Patriots.

The lure of sticking with Bill and the Patriots proved too strong for Josh McDaniels.

JOSH McDaniels was hesitating for a reason.

The newly announced Colts head coach withdrew from the position hours later, ESPN reported, choosing instead to remain with the Patriots as their offensive co-ordinator.

McDaniels had been formally announced as the Colts’ coach Wednesday morning.

The Colts not only confirmed McDaniels’ addition on social media, they announced an introductory press conference to be held on Thursday.

McDaniels’ move to Indianapolis following Super Bowl LII, which had been speculated for weeks, suddenly seemed in doubt when reports surfaced Sunday night that he was considering staying with the Patriots.

So...@AdamSchefter reporting that Josh McDaniels has decided NOT to accept the Colts’ head coach job after all. Will stay with the Patriots.#Awkward pic.twitter.com/uLp6VFEkoY

— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) February 7, 2018

He refused to comment on the Colts’ offer after the Patriots’ 41-33 loss to the Eagles.

Patriots owner Robert Kraft reportedly had a hand in convincing McDaniels to return, offering to increase McDaniels’ salary if he turned down the Colts, according to ESPN.

The Colts expressed shock and disappointment in McDaniels’ decision.

In the past 48 hours, Patriots owner Robert Kraft began talking with Josh McDaniels and ultimately wound up sweetening his contract, helping to entice him to remain in New England, per sources. Bill Belichick has his OC back.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 7, 2018

“After agreeing to contract terms to become the Indianapolis Colts’ new head coach, New England Patriots assistant coach Josh McDaniels this evening informed us that he would not be joining our team,” the team said in a statement.

“Although we are surprised and disappointed, we will resume our head coaching search immediately and find the right fit to lead our team and organisation on and off the field.”

McDaniels, 41, may not be ready to give up on the current Patriots’ dynasty, which he has helped guide to five Super Bowl titles alongside head coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady.

First thoughts:

1. Is McDaniels decision related to Andrew Luck’s health?

2. He screwed the Colts so badly. McDaniels might never coach anywhere again outside of New England. We’ll see the details, but this looks incredibly dirty

— Jon Ledyard (@LedyardNFLDraft) February 7, 2018

Brady said recently he plans to return next season. Belichick’s contract runs through the 2018 season.

The change of heart is reminiscent of Belichick’s surprising decision to turn down the Jets’ head coaching job at his own introductory press conference in 2000, famously writing on a napkin he was resigning as “HC of the NYJ.”

Belichick was named the Patriots head coach soon after.

McDaniels’ Patriots counterpart, former defensive co-ordinator Matt Patricia, followed his expected path out of New England. He was announced as the new head coach of the Lions on Monday.

Spoke with several members of what was supposed to be McDaniels’ Indy coaching staff. They have not heard from Josh McDaniels regarding the change of heart. Just as blindsided as the rest of us. #Colts

— Dianna Russini (@diannaESPN) February 7, 2018

You can't tell me Josh McDaniels changing his mind about head-coaching Andrew Luck's team doesn't have something to do with thinking he will be Tom Brady's head coach sooner than later.

— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) February 7, 2018

Here's a look at Josh McDaniels' time in Indy pic.twitter.com/JXXcK1Qdy5

— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) February 7, 2018