As the New England Patriots gear up for a high-stakes AFC Divisional Round showdown against the Houston Texans, there’s more than just a trip to the conference championship on the line. This game brings a unique twist: a family rivalry playing out on the playoff stage.
Josh McDaniels, the Patriots’ offensive coordinator, will be squaring off against his younger brother, Ben McDaniels, who serves as the Texans’ wide receivers coach and passing game coordinator. It’s the first time the brothers will face each other in the postseason - and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
“We compete almost in everything we do, honestly, which is kind of fun,” Josh said earlier this week. “And this will be no different.”
Ben echoed the sentiment, acknowledging the gravity of the moment while appreciating what it means for their family. “The stakes are higher,” he said, “but [we] just kind of enjoy the concept of it and appreciate what we're both doing.”
This isn’t just a football game - it’s a full-circle moment for a family steeped in the sport. The McDaniels brothers grew up in a football household, led by their father Thom, a longtime high school coach. So Sunday’s game at Gillette Stadium is more than just a playoff battle - it’s a celebration of a shared football journey that began long before either of them stepped onto an NFL sideline.
“We grew up in a coach’s household,” Josh said. “And I’m just super proud of what Ben’s been able to do.”
Ben added, “We’ve lived this our whole life, and we have a great appreciation for football and what it has done for our families.”
But make no mistake - the brotherly love takes a back seat this week. With a spot in the AFC Championship hanging in the balance, both coaches are locked in on their game plans. The usual day-to-day communication between the two has been dialed down as they each prepare to outmaneuver the other.
“One of us will lose, and one of us will win. We know that going into the game,” Josh said. “I’m going to do everything in my power that I can do in my role to help us win, and I’m sure [Ben] will do the same.”
It’s a rare and compelling subplot in an already loaded playoff matchup - two brothers on opposite sidelines, each trying to outsmart the other, each chasing the same dream. And while only one will advance, the moment itself is already a win for the McDaniels family.