JOSH McDaniels will remain with the New England Patriots in 2018.

In one of the most bizarre stories of the NFL season, Pats offensive coordinator McDaniels — who was announced by the Indianapolis Colts as their new head coach — has seemingly pulled out of the deal at the last minute.

ESPN Insider Adam Schefter reporting: “After two days of reflection and conversations with the Patriots, New England offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels has decided not to accept the Indianapolis Colts’ head coaching job, league sources told ESPN.

“In the past 48 hours, Patriots owner Robert Kraft began talking with Josh McDaniels and ultimately wound up sweetening his contract, helping to entice him to remain in New England, per sources. Bill Belichick has his OC back.”

While many in the football world jumped to the ‘Bill Belichick must be on his way out’ conclusion, ESPN’s New England Patriots reporter Mike Reiss quickly put an end to those suggestions.

Reiss adding: “Source close to situation says clarity on Bill Belichick’s status in New England (Belichick is locked in to coach Patriots in 2018) and stability for family among top factors for Josh McDaniels’ sudden change.”

It’s an embarrassing situation for the Colts, who had already announced McDaniels’ appointment on social media, and scheduled his first press conference.

Given the fact that McDaniels had yet to sign a contract with the Colts (per Adam Schefter), Indianapolis’ decision to jump the gun on the announcement has backfired in the worst way possible.

PATRICIA JOINS LIONS

The Detroit Lions have named New England Patriots defensive co-ordinator Matt Patricia as their new head coach, the National Football League club said on Monday.

Patricia is joining the Lions after spending the last 14 seasons with the New England Patriots, who were left contemplating the possible end of an era after an upset 41-33 loss in Sunday’s Super Bowl to the Philadelphia Eagles.

In Detroit, Patricia is replacing Jim Caldwell, who was fired January 11 after he posted a 36-28 record over four seasons.

During his tenure working for head coach Bill Belichick, the Patriots won three of their five Super Bowl titles and had six American Football Conference titles.

The Lions made the announcement in a news release on Monday. Patricia has been in the running for the post for several weeks but the move could not be made official until after the Patriots’ Super Bowl defeat.

Patricia also interviewed for jobs with the New York Giants and Arizona Cardinals.