Josh McDaniels is reportedly 'likely to take' a head coaching job this offseason

McDaniels is a top coaching candidate once again, but this time he might actually leave New England

Josh McDaniels has spent the majority of his coaching career with the New England Patriots. He worked his way up from personnel assistant all the way to offensive coordinator between 2001 and 2008, before leaving to take over as the head coach of the Denver Broncos beginning with the 2009 season. His stint in Denver didn't last long, though, as the Broncos went 11-17 before he was fired. McDaniels then spent a season with the then-St. Louis Rams as offensive coordinator before returning to take the same position with the Pats again.

It has been five seasons, and McDaniels is once again at the top of offseason coaching wishlists. That has been the case for the past few seasons as well, but he has stayed put rather than striking out on his own. According to the Boston Globe, though, McDaniels is "likely" to leave the nest this offseason for a head coaching position. (CBS Sports NFL Insider Jason La Canfora has been reporting since September that McDaniels would land a job this offseason, so it's not a surprise that it's considered likely in late December.)

Josh McDaniels should have his choice of jobs this year and he is likely to take one. There's talk about McDaniels going somewhere in a package deal with Jimmy Garoppolo, but that's not as high on McDaniels's priorities as are the team's ownership, organizational structure, and talent on the roster. The Jaguars and Cardinals, should that job come open, look to be the best fits for McDaniels. Don't expect him to take a job in the AFC East or with any of the Patriots' rivals (such as the Colts).

There are several potential openings that might make sense for an offensive mastermind such as McDaniels and he would be wise to hook himself up with a team that either already has a franchise quarterback or will be in position to select one in the draft.

He's in a really good situation with New England and thus can afford to be choosy with the type of job he wants. He's also only 40 years old and knows opportunities will continue to be presented to him for quite a while. That's why he's still with the Pats and not about to be fired as the coach of the [insert bad team here]. If the right situation is out there, he'll go; and if it's not, he'll be back coaching Tom Brady's offense once again next season.