Report: McDaniels prime candidate for Eagles' HC job

A somewhat surprising candidate may have emerged in the Philadelphia Eagles' search for a new head coach.

New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels is a prime candidate to replace Doug Pederson, sources told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive coordinator Todd Bowles will interview with Philadelphia on Monday and has some support within the Eagles organization, Fowler adds.

McDaniels has a lengthy history of success with New England, leading the club's offense from 2005-08 and again from 2012 to the present. His units consistently produced with Tom Brady, but the Patriots' offense took a step back in 2020 with Cam Newton under center.

Once considered one of the NFL's brightest young offensive minds, McDaniels previously served as the Denver Broncos' head coach from 2009-10, but his tenure was mired with controversy.

The 44-year-old was also announced as the Indianapolis Colts' head coach in February 2018, but he withdrew from the position on the same day the move was announced. He opted to stay with the Patriots in a decision that was met with significant backlash.

The longtime assistant has been with the Patriots for all six of the franchise's Super Bowl championships and helped the team field a top-eight scoring attack from 2013-19.

Philadelphia has cast a wide net in its search for its next head coach. The team interviewed Robert Saleh, Arthur Smith, and Brandon Staley before the trio took jobs with other organizations.

The Eagles have also expressed interest in Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator Joe Brady and Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy; they have yet to schedule an interview with the latter, notes Fowler.