The New England Patriots have hired former Las Vegas Raiders and Denver Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels as their new offensive coordinator — his third stint in that role with the team, but his first since the departure of longtime mentor Bill Belichick.

Bill O’Brien, the former Patriots OC and current Boston College coach, had lofty praise for McDaniels during his regular appearance on WEEI this week. O’Brien shot down the criticism that McDaniels was hired because of nostalgia surrounding the glory days of Brady.

The New England Patriots continue their new era by bringing back old faces. After hiring club legend Mike Vrabel as head coach, the fallen giants are hiring Josh McDaniels as offensive coordinator for his third stint in the role.