The Broncos have acted quickly in their search to replace long-time coach Mike Shanahan, and they came to terms with offesive guru and slightly underaged disciple of Bill Belichick. His name: Josh McDaniels.

Josh McDaniels, the Patriots’ 32-year-old offensive coordinator, agreed to a four-year deal to replace Mike Shanahan, who was fired Dec. 30 after 14 seasons with a 146-91 record.

“Josh McDaniels is one of the finest people and brightest, most talented coaches I have ever worked with,” New England coach Bill Belichick said in a statement. “Since joining us eight years ago, Josh performed a variety of roles and excelled in every one of them.”

I looked at this, and on paper, I said, “Good hire.” The guy’s young, he seems bright, he’s from the Belichick family tree, and he’s bound to bring some Spygate secrets with him to the Mile High City. Then I started thinking I’d seen this somewhere.

Romeo Crennel? Flop.

Eric Mangini? Flop.

Charlie Weis? Flop in 2009.

Do we see a pattern? With each head coach that comes from Belichick and gets fired, it’s just making Bill look smarter and smarter and smarter. This one I have hope in, though. However, I should confess that when Crennel left New England, I was certain the Patriots would never have success again.

Flop.