This week, leading into the opening round of the NFL playoffs, an annual tradition will take place: The Patriots will be on bye, and their assistant coaches will conduct interviews for head coach openings around the league.
Josh McDaniels, the Patriots’ offensive coordinator, currently has plans to interview with three teams who will be hiring new head coaches: The Bears, Colts and Giants. Team brass will come to him, traveling to New England, rather than the other way around. He and defensive coordinator Matt Patricia, also an in-demand candidate, will be balancing a busy interview schedule with preparation for the Patriots’ divisional round game the following weekend.