The New England Patriots recently lost offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, who left to become the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders. McDaniels also took three Patriots offensive coaches to join him in Las Vegas.
The Patriots now have several vacancies to fill, but it’s late in the offseason to be hiring for such spots. New England’s options to hire someone from the outside may be limited, which could lead them to look internally.
Doug Kyed, a longtime Patriots reporter for NESN who is now with Pro Football Focus, shared on Twitter Thursday a few theories on what he has heard the Pats could do to help fill their offensive staff. Some have theorized that Bill Belichick or Matt Patricia could have more involvement with the team’s offense, leaving more defensive responsibilities for Jerod Mayo and Steve Belichick.
After losing Josh McDaniels and four offensive assts to LV, there are theories around the NFL on how NE will compensate. Two I heard recently: bigger roles on offense for Bill Belichick or Matt Patricia. Could in turn mean more responsibility for Steve Belichick/Jerod Mayo on D.
— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) February 17, 2022
In addition to McDaniels, the Raiders hired former receivers coach Mick Lombardi, offensive assistant Bo Hardegree and offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo away from New England. That is a lot of coaches to lose, and something Belichick does not enjoy.
I’m pretty stunned that Josh McDaniels poached three coaches from the #Patriots (Lombardi, Bricillo, Hardegree). Belichick is in the record with his disdain about former assistants poaching his coaches.
Said this about it in doc with Nick Saban a few years ago: pic.twitter.com/wMpA7X9qdM
— Evan Lazar (@ezlazar) February 12, 2022
Belichick has always been recognized as a defensive-minded head coach who is known for his defensive prowess. Would he give up some of those responsibilities to help out more on offense? Maybe the team needs it for the 2022 season.
This is all speculation so far. Until the Patriots make hires and replace the coaches they lost, there will be speculation about what they do to cover the offensive workload.
Photo: Oct 10, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick reacts during the second quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
