but Josh McDouche has never been anything other than a failure when he wasnt working for Belichick
Tom Brady is the best quarterback to ever walk on this earth, and he will probably always be that, but I do think it is overrating him to think that he could have done that in any imaginable environment. Thus, I will give Belichick some credit in Brady's success, and if you do that, then I believe that you also have to give some to the assistant closest to him. I think it also speak volume that Brady multiple times throughout the years have praised McDaniels. I also think it was interesting to hear the reporting that Brady left the Patriots because he was upset that McDaniels didn't want to involve Brady more in gameplanning - even though that report (by reliable reporters) was built on anonymous sources. It could tell us something about who is helping who the most.
It certainly is a fair point that you give. My view is that six Super Bowl titles (and playing in nine), eight conference championships, and 14 division titles is not a coincidence. I certainly agree that an assistant coach can sort of being carried to success (Mr. Pendergast), but in my opinion, McDaniels' list of winning is too good to be just because of others giving it to him.
I personally think that one of McDaniels' best seasons was in 2008, where he guided Matt Cassel to be 11-5 as the Patriots starting quarterback, along with setting numerous records for himself. On top of that, obviously three teams in three seperate years have thought enough of McDaniels to hire him as their head coach.
I would, however, also like to add that I have not written anything about that I would like to add anyone to the staff. Only that I find it an interesting and fascinating brainstorming. I have noticed that Kerouac conveniently not answering on the mistake of comparing head coaching with assistant coaching (or arguing that I would like Gannon replaced), and all I have mentioned is the thought that his close relationship with Gannon could potentially open something up.