SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — The Patriots brought home at least one piece of offseason hardware.

Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels won AP Assistant Coach of the Year.

McDaniels returned to the Patriots this offseason after a four-year absence. The Patriots ranked third in total offense and second in scoring during the regular season.

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McDaniels also helped lead quarterback Drake Maye to an impressive second-year ascension and MVP-caliber campaign.

“Josh has done a fantastic job, and usually any coach’s success or recognition is going to come from the fact that the players executed, they played well and they did what was coached,” head coach Mike Vrabel said Thursday. “And sometimes that happens and sometimes it doesn’t, but I would be extremely excited and happy for Josh if he were to win, just like I would be for Stef [Stefon Diggs], TreVeyon [Henderson], Drake [Maye] and everybody else.”

Vrabel is also up for AP NFL Coach of the Year.