Drake Maye is entering a pivotal Year 2 and his first full season as a starter for the New England Patriots in 2025. The rookie quarterback showed progression each week and provided the fanbase optimism that he can be the quarterback of the future.

It’s unclear who the offensive coordinator will be for the Patriots in 2025 but Josh McDaniels has been linked to his former team. And for Rob Gronkowski — who played under McDaniels during his time in New England — he believes it would be the right move to bring McDaniels back.

“Yes, I truly believe he would be the right one for Drake Maye,” Gronkowski said during his appearance on the “Up & Adams” show. “I mean, he dealt with Tom Brady throughout his whole entire career. … He helped out Tom Brady tremendously. Josh McDaniels has a full grasp of the offense. He knows how to demand respect as an offensive coordinator. He gets the players to listen to him. He draws up wonderful schemes to get his players open.

“… Josh McDaniels is the guy. He knows how to develeop quarterbacks,” he added. “And not just quarterbacks, he knows how to develop players just like myself. … At the quarterback position that’s where he’s a masterpiece. And I believe he would take Drake Maye to a whole other level.”

Gronkowski has been a vocal supporter of McDaniels since Vrabel got hired. During a segment on FOX he said hiring McDaniels should be Vrabel’s first move.

Mike Vrabel admitted the former OC is on a long list of candidates during his introductory press conference at Gillette Stadium on Monday. But there haven’t been any formal interviews with candidates yet.

McDaniels had two stints with the Patriots and held a variety of roles including offensive coordinator. He didn’t have as much luck as a coach between the Denver Broncos and the Las Vegas Raiders, but his time as OC was met with success that included six Super Bowl titles.