Patriots McDaniels to Broncos, plus other news

Patriots OC Josh McDaniels named Broncos new Head Coach.

The Denver Broncos have reached an agreement to hire Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels as their new head coach. The Denver Post is also reporting that Patriots special assistant/secondary coach Dom Capers is under strong consideration to join McDaniels' staff. -- Denver Post

Pete Mangurian could land Patriots OC job

There's no immediate word on who will succeed Josh McDaniels with the Patriots. Tight ends coach Pete Mangurian is the only member of the current staff with pro offensive coordinator experience, serving in that capacity in 2003 with the Falcons. Wide receivers coach Bill O'Brien was offensive coordinator at Georgia Tech and Duke before joining the Pats in 2007. McDaniels could not be reached last night, and the Patriots declined comment on his impending departure. -- Boston Herald

Patriots VP Pioli is looking more like the Chiefs' main man

Once thought to be the Chiefs' leading candidate, now there is no doubt: Scott Pioli is their man, according to an NFL source. Perhaps more important, Pioli's interest in the Chiefs and a potential new career challenge has grown. All that stands in the way is hashing out a contract agreement, or perhaps a late pitch from the Patriots (who lost offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels to the Broncos yesterday as head coach), or a last-minute change of heart from Pioli. -- Boston Globe

Patriots no longer interested in Pacman

With the news of Pacman Jones' upcoming release in Dallas, attention shifted immediately to potential landing spots for the troubled cornerback. Because of its need at the position and flirtation with Jones and the Titans last offseason, New England loomed as a possible destination. Although Jones' past transgressions could be tolerated if the Pats saw him as their missing defensive link, we hear that his middling play this past season effectively eliminates him from their plans. -- Pro Football Weekly

Vikings to make run at Pats Matt Cassel?

It's looking more likely than ever that the quarterback the Vikings will target is the Patriots' Matt Cassel, who could cost $30 million in guaranteed money as well as first- and second-round draft picks. The Vikings' first-round pick is expected to be between Nos. 21 and 23 overall this spring. -- Pioneer Press