With rumors swirling Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia is the leading candidate for the New York Giants job, it got me thinking. Who is more vital to the Patriots success. Josh McDaniels or Matt Patricia?

I came to the conclusion that McDaniels is more vital to the team’s success moving forward. There are several reasons for that. 

For one, McDaniels has been the offensive coordinator in New England on two separate occasions (2006-2008), (2012-present) Outside of the three seasons he was away from the organization, McDaniels has been with the Patriots since 2001. He has been involved in the game planning aspect of the offense since 2004 when he became quarterbacks coach. McDaniels knows the Patriots offensive system well and Belichick trusts him.

The second reason why the Patriots cannot afford to lose McDaniels is his relationship with Brady. Brady won’t just work with anyone at this point in his career. It has to be someone he knows and trusts.

Finally, the Patriots are better equipped to lose Patricia than they are McDaniels. That is not a knock on the other offensive coaches on the staff, it is the truth. 

Linebackers coach Brian Flores is a rising star on the staff. He has been with the organization in a variety of roles since 2004 and is ready to step in and take over the defense. Factor in that Belichick is a defensive coach and that he can guide him and you see why the Patriots can survive the loss of Patricia.

Matt Patricia is a terrific coach. I am not quite sure what type of head coach he will be but time will tell. The Patriots will be fine if he moves on. It will be tougher to replace Josh McDaniels this off season however if he takes a head coaching job. A has been a much bigger part of the Patriots success through the years than Patricia.