Josh McDaniels to stay with New England Patriots, passes on San Francisco 49ers

New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels withdrew from consideration to become the next head coach of the San Francisco 49ers.

The 49ers are now setting their sights on Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, according to multiple reports Monday.

McDaniels told reporters on a conference call that he was impressed with 49ers CEO Jed York and other front-office personnel.

"They did a great job with their presentation," McDaniels said Monday. "Again, humbled to be included in that process. At this time, it's just best for my family and myself to remain here in New England, and focus on this year's playoffs and finish out the year however it turns out."

McDaniels interviewed during the wild-card weekend when the Patriots had a bye and would be eligible to speak to the 49ers again after Sunday's AFC Championship Game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Shanahan faces a similar situation as the Falcons are still in playoff contention. Atlanta hosts the Green Bay Packers on Sunday for the NFC title and a spot in Super Bowl LI.

McDaniels, 40, still wants to become a head coach for the second time in his NFL career.

McDaniels served as the Patriots' offensive coordinator in 2008 before being hired as the head coach of the Denver Broncos in 2009. He went 8-8 in his first season before being fired in 2010 in the middle of the season after a 3-9 start.

McDaniels spent a year as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach of the then-St. Louis Rams before returning to the Patriots in 2012 in the same capacity under head coach Bill Belichick.

"I've always said how grateful I am for this opportunity to work here for Mr. Kraft and his family and coach under Bill, with a lot of great guys on our staff and have the privilege to work with the players we get to work with each day," McDaniels said. "It's a great opportunity, very thankful to be here, and very much looking forward to this week against Pittsburgh."

McDaniels also had interviews with the Los Angeles Rams and Jacksonville Jaguars before those jobs were filled last week.

Speculation in Boston at the end of the regular season centered around whether McDaniels might pass on coaching opportunities in order to stay at the front of the line to be considered as a head coach when Belichick retires. Though there is no indication Belichick, 64, has any intentions of leaving the sideline, McDaniels might only have one more chance as a head coach.