ENGLEWOOD, Colo. --- The man who ran the New England Patriots' high-scoring offense is taking over as coach of the Denver Broncos, charged with revitalizing a team that failed to make the playoffs the past three seasons.

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."

He'll take over an already potent offense, led by quarterback Jay Cutler and receivers Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal, that is looking to return the Broncos to prominence. Shanahan won two Super Bowls in his first four seasons but won just one playoff game in the decade since John Elway retired.

McDaniels guided the record-setting offense that led New England to 18 consecutive victories last season before a stunning loss to the New York Giants in the Super Bowl. That team scored an NFL-record 75 touchdowns and 589 points. McDaniels is known for his creative play calling and game plans -- just as Shanahan was when he took over the in 1995. The other candidates for the job were Steve Spagnuolo of the New York Giants, Leslie Frazier of Minnesota, Raheem Morris of Tampa Bay, Rick Dennison of Denver, Jason Garrett of Dallas and Todd Bowles of Miami.