With New England Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia set to become the next head coach of the Detroit Lions, there have been rumblings that Greg Schiano could replace him on Bill Belichick’s staff. According to one report, Schiano has an offer but has not decided if he wants to take it.
Bruce Feldman of FOX Sports was told by sources that Schiano is uncertain if he wants to leave Ohio State, where he just completed his second season as Urban Meyer’s defensive coordinator. Feldman also notes that Schiano may take on a different role with the Patriots if he takes the job.
Saw the report that Greg Schiano is leaving #OhioState for the #Patriots DC job. Am told Schiano hasn't decided whether he's leaving OSU yet. Brian Flores may get promoted to DC in New England. Schiano could have a job on the Pats staff w/ Belichick but still hasn't decided.
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) February 5, 2018
The second part of Feldman’s report is noteworthy. Brian Flores, who is currently the linebackers coach with the Patriots and has been on Belichick’s staff since 2004, was one of the finalists for the Arizona Cardinals’ head coaching job. Given how respected he is among NFL circles, it would be a surprise if Belichick hired from outside for his next DC rather than promoting Flores.
Schiano was set to become the head coach at Tennessee recently before fans protested so hard that the school pulled its offer. During that ordeal, Belichick stood by Schiano and called him “one of the very best coaches I think in our profession.”
With the locker room issues the Patriots appear to have had this season, some believe Schiano and his strong personality could make things worse in New England. His stint as head coach with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers did not go well, and many players had issues with him during that time.
