Tim Tebow praises former coach Josh McDaniels as a 'very bright mind'

Updated

Former quarterback Tim Tebow is speaking out about his old coach Josh McDaniels amid controversy surrounding the New England Patriots offensive coordinator's decision to turn down the head coaching position with the Indianapolis Colts.

After several rounds of interviews and an impressive showing in Super Bowl LII, the Indianapolis Colts announced McDaniels would be the new head coach of the team on Tuesday. But then, he changed his mind.

SEE ALSO: Through multiple teams and sports, Tim Tebow's dog Bronco is always by his side

McDaniels shocked the NFL world when he rejected the Colts' offer in favor of returning to Bill Belichick's staff in New England. Many have criticized the move, saying it ruins McDaniels chances of ever being a head coach again, while others believe this makes him the heir apparent for Belichick's position whenever he chooses to leave.

While Tebow said he didn't fully understand what occurred with his former coach's decision, he did take the opportunity to sing McDaniels' praises.

"He is a very, very, very bright mind," Tebow emphasized while speaking to AOL.com about the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on behalf of Purina Pro Plan.

"When he does something, it's very thought through and he's very analytical."

The Colts job wouldn't have been McDaniels' first experience leading a team, however. He spent two seasons in Denver as the head coach of the Broncos in 2009 and 2010, which is when he first worked with Tebow.

The two crossed paths again in 2013 when McDaniels was back with New England and Tebow saw a brief stint with the team.

Tebow, who was recently invited to Spring Training with the New York Mets, knows McDaniels didn't take the decision to remain with the Patriots lightly.

"I'm sure he put a lot of time and thought process behind this," he said. "He's very smart, so I'm sure he weighed a lot of information."

On Wednesday, Colts general manager Chris Ballard said he "didn't want an explanation" out of McDaniels, but ensured that the rivalry between Indianapolis and New England is "back on."

More from Aol.com:
Report: Gronkowski mulling retirement to pursue Hollywood career as actor
5 teams who have the potential to become the NFL’s next dynasty
New York Yankees acquire QB Russell Wilson from Rangers

Advertisement