Standing Pat: Josh McDaniels reportedly rebuffs Colts

Hours after the Indianapolis Colts tweeted that Josh McDaniels agreed to be their new head coach, the New England Patriots' offensive coordinator apparently changed his mind.

ESPN's Adam Schefter tweeted Tuesday evening that McDaniels decided against taking the Indianapolis job to remain in New England.

Schefter added that Patriots owner Robert Kraft helped convince McDaniels to stay in New England by "sweetening his contract" in the days since the team's 41-33 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday in the Super Bowl. Kraft also might have had an ulterior motive, according to one of Schefter's sources.

ESPN's Mike Reiss reported Bill Belichick's status as New England's head coach through 2018 and family stability were among McDaniels' major reasons for changing his mind on changing teams.

On Tuesday morning, the Colts had tweeted: "We are excited to welcome Josh McDaniels, who has agreed to terms as our new head coach! Press conference scheduled for Wednesday."

After news broke of McDaniels' about-face, Indianapolis released a statement saying they were "surprised and disappointed" by the decision.

McDaniels, 41, was set to be a head coach for the second time, as he departed New England previously for the top job with the Broncos. He was 11-17 with Denver before being fired midway through the 2010 season.

According to ESPN, Patriots assistant QB coach Jerry Schuplinski was due to join McDaniels in Indianapolis, while former Dallas Cowboys linebackers coach Matt Eberflus was to be McDaniels' defensive coordinator.

The Colts went 4-12 and finished last in the AFC South in 2017 under Chuck Pagano, who was fired after six seasons on Dec. 31.

Colts owner Jim Irsay participated in a second interview with McDaniels along with general manager Chris Ballard, who hosted McDaniels in a one-on-one session at the end of the regular season.

Part of the optimism around the Colts centers on the anticipated return of franchise quarterback Andrew Luck. He missed the entire 2017 season recovering from shoulder surgery and was expected to benefit from the mentoring of McDaniels, who is renowned for his work with Tom Brady in New England.

Luck, 28, has missed 26 regular-season games the past three seasons.

The Colts have the third pick in the upcoming 2018 NFL Draft.

McDaniels has been with the Patriots for all but three seasons since 2001. He has been the team's offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach since 2012, the same positions he held in New England from 2006-08.

--Field Level Media