INDIANAPOLIS -- Josh McDaniels' agent told him he was making a mistake in spurning the Indianapolis Colts to return to the New England Patriots Tuesday evening and then he dropped McDaniels as a client, according to reports.
NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported that McDaniels' agent, Bob LaMonte, told McDaniels that he's making "perhaps the biggest professional mistake of his career" by backing out of the job with the Colts.
ESPN's Dan Graziano tweeted that LaMonte "is terminating his relationship with McDaniels."
LaMonte also represents Chris Ballard, the Colts' general manager.
Ballard, discussing what happened with McDaniels at a press conference Wednesday, said "The rivalry is back on," referring to Colts-Patriots.
He said he had no indication that McDaniels would change his mind and leave, until McDaniels called him that night to break the news.
Ballard said he didn't try to change McDaniels' mind.
"I want someone who is 100 percent committed," Ballard said.
Colts fans immediately took to Ballard's "rivalry" comment. The Shop, a local clothing store, made "the rivalry is back on" T-shirts.
MORE MCDANIELS | Josh McDaniels changes his mind, will not take job as Colts head coach | Josh McDaniels shuns Colts: Just like Bill Belichick in 2000 | Colts fans throw shade at Josh McDaniels after he backs out of Colts deal
Former Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy blasted McDaniels' decision on Twitter, saying there is no excuse for what he did.
Haven’t read the article but I can tell you there is NO excuse big enough to justify this. It’s one thing to go back on your word to an organization. But having assistant coaches leave jobs to go with you then leave them out to dry is indefensible. For COMFORT?? https://t.co/hlsYviDC9l
— Tony Dungy (@TonyDungy) February 7, 2018
The Garafolo report also said McDaniels had better hope he's successful in his return to New England, because he just "lit his remaining goodwill from around the NFL on fire."
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