ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The Denver Broncos have hired Mike Shanahan version 2.0 — another bright, young offensive mind.

Josh McDaniels, the Patriots' offensive coordinator, has agreed to become the Broncos' next coach, the team confirmed late Sunday night. The 32-year-old takes over for Shanahan, who was fired Dec. 30 after 14 seasons with three years and $21 million left on his contract.

McDaniels is known for his creative play calling and game plans — just like Shanahan when he took over the team in 1995 at the age of 42.

Shanahan, referred to as "The Mastermind," led the Broncos to Super Bowl crowns in 1997 and '98, but the team tumbled into mediocrity, winning just one playoff game in the decade since John Elway retired.

Denver went 8-8 this season and became the first team in NFL history to blow a three-game divisional lead with three weeks left, and Shanahan was fired 48 hours later.

McDaniels' stock has been soaring with the Patriots, where he's quickly ascended from personnel assistant in the scouting department to offensive coordinator for Bill Belichick.

Last season, under McDaniels' tutelage, Tom Brady threw for a record 50 touchdowns as the team went undefeated in the regular season before falling to the New York Giants in the Super Bowl.

McDaniels' reputation took on more luster when the Patriots lost Brady to a knee injury in the opener and Matt Cassel — a quarterback who hadn't started a game since high school — came on to lead the Patriots to an 11-5 record.