Josh McDaniels understands that timing is essential to the execution of any route in pro football.
Last year, McDaniels decided that being in the midst of the pursuit of a perfect season was an imperfect time to pursue his own quest of becoming an NFL head coach, so he withdrew his name from consideration for vacancies in Atlanta and Baltimore.
His patience proved prudent, as yesterday the precocious Patriots offensive coordinator was introduced as the new head coach of the Denver Broncos.
McDaniels, 32, who has been the Patriots' offensive coordinator for three seasons, signed a four-year contract worth $8 million to replace Mike Shanahan.
"I've spent a lot of time and preparation over the last year getting myself more ready to go in case this opportunity did present itself again," said McDaniels at the news conference. "I just feel like the timing is right.
"I've had an opportunity to experience a lot of things. This year was certainly a different experience for me the way our season went, and I think that better prepared me to go into this next step of my career. This year the timing is right, and I'm thrilled to be here in Denver."
Since Bill Belichick became Patriots coach in 2000, McDaniels is the third member of his staff to be tapped for an NFL head coaching job, following defensive coordinators Romeo Crennel, who was hired by the Cleveland Browns in 2005, and Eric Mangini, who left for the New York Jets in 2006 and was hired again by the Browns last week to replace Crennel.
Former Patriots offensive coordinator Charlie Weis, who left in 2005 to become Notre Dame's head coach, was replaced by McDaniels, who called the plays during the 2005 season as the team's quarterbacks coach, a title he held from 2004 until his departure. McDaniels was not given the added title of offensive coordinator until the 2006 season.
McDaniels thanked Belichick, who brought him aboard in 2001 as a personnel assistant, for "providing me my foundation in this league and mentoring me for eight years."
Belichick gave his public imprimatur to his protege's elevation with an AFC opponent - the Patriots will play at Denver next season - congratulating McDaniels "for this most deserving opportunity for advancement."
"Josh McDaniels is one of the finest people and brightest, most talented coaches I have ever worked with," said Belichick in a statement.
"Since joining us eight years ago, Josh performed a variety of roles and excelled in every one of them.
"Between his work on defense, in scouting, player evaluation and coordinating the offense, Josh is a very well-rounded coach whose outstanding body of work speaks for itself."