Shanahan is gone, McDaniels is here - New Head Coach

The man who ran the New England Patriots’ high-scoring offense is taking over as the coach of the Denver Broncos, charged with revitalizing a team that failed to make the playoffs the past three seasons.

Josh McDaniels, the Patriots’ 32-year-old offensive coordinator, agreed to a four-year deal. He replaced Mike Shanahan, who was fired Dec. 30 after 14 seasons.

“My age has never been a factor,” McDaniels said. “It’s never going to be a factor. It’s about performance.”

McDaniels helped the defensive staff in New England for three seasons before serving as the quarterbacks coach in 2004. Bill Belichick promoted him to offensive coordinator in 2006, and his career took off.

He directed an offense that had led New England to 18 straight victories and an N.F.L.-record 75 touchdowns in 2007, then guided an untested backup, Matt Cassel, to an 11-5 record this season after the starter, Tom Brady, was lost for the season with a knee injury.

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