NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport and NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported Thursday that the Las Vegas Raiders had put in a request to interview New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels for the team’s head-coaching opening.

According to Rapoport, McDaniels is considered a top candidate, which is the first time for him to be regarded as such.

Albert Breer of The Monday Morning Quarterback (MMQB), meanwhile, added in a reply to another report by ESPN’s Adam Schefter that Raiders’ interest was not unrequited.

“Raiders requested today a head coach interview with Patriots’ offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, per league source,” Schefter wrote on Twitter. “McDaniels now expected to interview with the Raiders.”

“I can assure you this request wouldn’t be going in if the interest wasn’t mutual,” Breer replied.

Breer further explained that Raiders had been eyeing McDaniels for quite some time.

“The Raiders’ interest in Josh McDaniels has been there for a couple weeks,” Breer explained. “Interviews with McDaniels-connected personnel execs Dave Ziegler (potential GM) and Champ Kelly (potential assistant GM) set the stage for this. Structure is a vital element. Ziegler and Kelly provide it.”

McDaniels was once the Indianapolis Colts head coach until he resigned and returned to the Patriots in 2018. He was replaced by Frank Reich in Indianapolis.