FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - The New England Patriots announced that they have named Josh McDaniels as the team's offensive coordinator today. McDaniels has served as New England's quarterbacks coach for the past two seasons (2004-05).

"Josh has been one of the key components on our offensive staff," said Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick. "He is very well-respected and we look forward to him taking on the coordinator role."

McDaniels, 29, is entering his sixth season with the Patriots. Last year, the Patriots quarterbacks passed for 4,322 yards, the second most in franchise history. Tom Brady accounted for a career-high and league-leading 4,110 yards passing and earned Pro Bowl honors for the second consecutive season, the third of his career. In his two seasons with McDaniels, Brady has continued to develop as the NFL's premier quarterback, completing 622 of 1,004 passes (.620) for 7,802 yards and 54 touchdowns, while throwing just 28 interceptions. In 2004, Brady set a career high with a 92.6 passer rating and came within three-tenths of a point of matching that in 2005 (92.3).

McDaniels began his coaching career as a graduate assistant for Nick Saban at Michigan State in 1999. After two seasons with the Spartans, he joined Bill Belichick's staff in New England as a defensive coaching assistant who also assisted in the personnel department.

The Patriots also announced two other staffing changes. Brian Smith, who has served the last two seasons as the director of operations will handle special assignments for the team. Matt Caracciolo, who worked last season as a football operations assistant, was promoted to director of operations.