In a stunning reversal that called to mind a similar move made by his boss 18 years ago, Josh McDaniels, offensive coordinator of the New England Patriots, reneged on his decision to become head coach of the Indianapolis Colts. He will remain in his current position with the Patriots.

McDaniels, who guided an offense that saw Tom Brady lead the NFL in passing yards at age 40, has been the Patriots’ offensive coordinator in nine of the past 12 seasons. His tenure was broken up by a three-year sojourn in which he served as head coach of the Denver Broncos for two years and as the offensive coordinator of the St. Louis Rams for one. He had been rumored to be in line for the Indianapolis job since the end of the regular season, and on Tuesday the Colts announced the hiring on Twitter.

“We are excited to welcome Josh McDaniels, who has agreed to terms as our new coach,” the Colts said on Twitter in a message that was posted at 7:59 a.m. Pacific time but has since been deleted.

Adam Schefter of ESPN first reported Tuesday evening that McDaniels, 41, had backed out of the job, and the Colts issued a statement shortly thereafter confirming his decision.

“After agreeing to contract terms to become the Indianapolis Colts’ new head coach, New England Patriots assistant coach Josh McDaniels this evening informed us that he would not be joining our team,” the statement said. “Although we are surprised and disappointed, we will resume our head coaching search immediately and find the right fit to lead our team and organization on and off the field.”

The situation is similar to the decision made by Bill Belichick, the Patriots’ current head coach, in 2000 when he was promoted to be head coach of the New York Jets but announced at his introductory news conference that he had decided not to take the job.

Belichick was almost immediately named the coach of the Patriots and has been with them ever since, leading them to eight Super Bowl appearances and five championships.

— The New York Times