Raiders News: Josh McDaniels Reflects On Broncos Coaching Stint
Josh McDaniels, Raiders, Patriots
Aug 19, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

After over a decade away, Josh McDaniels made his way back to the AFC West, but this time to serve as the Las Vegas Raiders’ new head coach.

McDaniels is no stranger to the division as he was hired back in 2009 to be the Denver Broncos head coach. However, his tenure with the Broncos did not end well, as he went 11-17 before being relieved of his duties during the 2010 season.

While it was a poor ending Denver, McDaniels reflected on his time there and admitted that he was not the person or coach he needed to be yet via Michael David Smith of NBC Sports:

“When I went to Denver, I knew a little bit of football,” McDaniels said. “I didn’t really know people and how important that aspect of this process, and maintaining the culture and building the team was. And I failed, and I didn’t succeed at it. Looking at that experience has been one of the best things in my life in terms of my overall growth as a person, as a coach. What do I need to do different, how do I need to handle my role, if I have another opportunity, and do better at it? I feel like that’s really an area that I’ve tried to grow in.”

The people aspect of football often gets lost, and McDaniel acknowledged this is an area he has worked to get better at:

“I know how important it is for a head coach to be able to do that,” McDaniels said.

It is certainly encouraging to hear McDaniels own up to his previous shortcomings and work at what he felt he needed to improve on. However, it will be interesting to see if what he has learned will translate for a Raiders team that is looking to take the next step and compete for a Super Bowl.