Continuity has been rare for Drake Maye throughout his football career.
During his two seasons as the starting quarterback at the University of North Carolina, Maye played under two different offensive coordinators. That trend continued in the NFL, where rookie-year coordinator Alex Van Pelt lasted just one season before Josh McDaniels returned to New England ahead of the 2025 season.
Now entering 2026 with McDaniels back for a second straight season, Maye finally has something new: stability.
“It’s
nice getting another year in the same offense. It’s been the first time for me in maybe four years,” Maye said. “So, it’s great to have that and have an offensive mind of Coach McDaniels and our offensive coaches are great. So, I’m really looking forward to that, and you got to keep building.”
McDaniels’ offensive system is known for being demanding at every position. That is especially true at quarterback, where much of the pre-snap communication falls on their shoulders.
A second season together should allow McDaniels to expand the offense while also allowing Maye to play with more comfort and confidence.
“I think it’s naturally gonna be more comfortable. You know, being in the huddle, saying the play calls, knowing why we’re running the plays. Trying to take the next level of details and details inside each play,” he said. “I think it’s fun getting to have new guys in the offense and me try to teach them what I know about it and what I think will be best for us to best execute. And I think that’s what’s fun – being out here and maybe trying some different things but also trying just to execute and create positive plays.”
In their first season together, Maye took off as he led the league in completion percentage and several other advanced metrics while finishing as the MVP runner-up.
Inside the building, there is belief Maye can take another step forward this season largely because of his growing comfort within McDaniels’ system. That process has started well during OTAs.
“It’s been awesome,” Maye said. “I think not only just going and rehashing over last season, how much we learned and how much we kind of bounced ideas off each other, but also just relearning the little details that he maybe taught me last April or last March.
“I’ve got to show that I have a good grasp of it to my teammates on the field, make a decision and put us in good plays. So, that’s what I’m working towards here in OTAs. It’s pretty much passing camp, so it’s beautiful for me just to get back there and sling the rock. It’s great work for me, and it’s awesome to try to take the next steps in this offense.”
