Could Bill Belichick’s sons remain with Patriots in 2024?

Dec 7, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; New England Patriots linebackers coach Steve Belichick looks on before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The New England Patriots announced last week that they have parted ways with Bill Belichick, but the 2024 iteration of the team could have even more ties to its former head coach than many anticipated.

Belichick’s two sons, Steve and Brian, have been part of the Patriots’ coaching staff for years. Steve joined the team as a defensive assistant in 2012 and had the official title of outside linebackers coach the past few seasons, but he essentially served as co-defensive coordinator with now-head coach Jerod Mayo. Brian began as a scouting assistant in 2016 and most recently served as safeties coach on his father’s staff.

If Belichick lands a head coach job with a new team next season, he will almost certainly bring his sons with him. However, Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated wrote in his weekly column on Monday that both Steve and Brian have been offered the opportunity to remain with the Patriots in 2024.

As Breer notes, Mayo and Steve have “grown close as they’ve collaborated to run the Patriots’ defense the past five years.” Brian is also considered a respected member of the staff.

Of course, it is possible that Mayo is friendly with the Belichick family and told Steve and Brian that they are welcome to stay as a courtesy. Bill has already been linked to other head coach jobs, so his sons will likely follow him if he lands elsewhere this offseason.