Josh McDaniels Backs Out of Colts' Coaching Job

Josh McDaniels backed out of an agreement to become the new coach of the Indianapolis Colts, a decision that left a franchise, which had just announced his hiring a few hours earlier, stunned.

The Colts confirmed McDaniels' decision in a written statement on Tuesday, after reports circulated that the Patriots' defensive coordinator had a change of heart and opted to stay in New England under head coach Bill Belichick.

McDaniels had agreed to contractual terms with the Colts to replace Chuck Pagano, who was fired. A press conference had been scheduled for Wednesday at Lucas Oil Stadium.

The team said that McDaniels informed them on Tuesday night that he would not be signing the contract.

"While we are surprised and disappointed, we will resume our search for a coach immediately and find the right individual to lead our team and organization on and off the field," the Colts said in their statement.

The Patriots and McDaniels' agent, Bob LaMont, did not immediately respond to requests for comments.

McDaniels has been the Patriots' offensive coordinator for five seasons. NFL rules prevented the Colts from finalizing the hiring until the Patriots' season ended, which happened when they lost the Super Bowl on Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles.

McDaniels has won five Super Bowl titles with New England and also had an 11-17 record as head coach of the Denver Broncos in 2009-10.