Probably. I doubt they would bother though, the playbook is enough different year to year that by the time he caught up the playoffs would be over. But in terms of being able to sure. Teams hire new coaches and consultants throughout the year because there are no restrictions placed on them, just like the Pats could sign a safety off the street tomorrow if they needed one.
Well, he wouldn't be acting as OC, but with his knowledge of the Pats schemes, he could help O'Brien implementing the gameplan.
Another thing to note. I would guess that the Rams won't let him go for a while, since they have to finish paying him for this year. Likely they will agree to allow him to leave AFTER the Superbowl since he is being paid through that date.
I don't have the source, and I may have even watched it on NFLN, I don't remember, but I did see something about McDaniels may end up in NE before their first playoff game. Thinking about it, I believe Michael Lombardi said it on NFLN. He can be a Pats homer at times, but he does get a few front office things right from time to time.
This seems to confirm that he CAN go right away. http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/01/06/patriots-will-speak-to-mcdaniels-this-weekend/ Earlier Friday, Peter King reported that the Rams wouldn’t stand in Josh McDaniels’ way if he wanted to leave town. It sounds like he will take St. Louis up on their offer. McDaniels will speak with the Patriots this weekend, according to NFL.com’s Albert Breer. League rules would actually allow McDaniels to join the Patriots staff immediately for the team’s playoff run, although it seems like an odd time to bring him aboard.
I could see him joining the team immediately to assist, however, no way he takes over. While he is familiar with the system, the personnel has completely changed. NE no longer runs a primarily spread offense and opt for the 2TE 2WR 1RB set more often than not.
interesting the way things are going right now. hey the more different things going on the better chance things get fucked up in patsy land. feel free to merge this if necessary. i put it here because of the implications on the patriots offense in the playoffs but now that new information has come to light it appears to be not much of a story patsy wise. and definitely a big story penn state wise.
