PALM BEACH, Florida – New England Patriots coach Invoice Belichick mentioned Monday that Matt Patricia, the previous Detroit Lions coach and New England protection coordinator, shall be a part of the workforce’s offensive teaching employees in 2023.
It is a notable turnaround for Patricia, whose major focus since coming into the NFL in 2004 has been protection.
Patricia will work alongside former New York Giants coach Joe Decide, longtime Patriots particular coach, as Belichick reshapes his offensive employees following the departure of coordinator Josh McDaniels to turn into the Las Vegas Raiders coach.
Belichick has not named an official offensive coordinator – he mentioned Monday he does not consider in titles – however in his first public remarks since mid-January, he singled out Patricia and Decide as these he would depend on serving to substitute McDaniels. He dismissed the query of which coach would identify the performs – a key function given promising sophomore quarterback Mac Jones.
Belichick additionally mentioned he would go on to fulfill Jones himself, as he has executed with all of his quarterbacks all through his 22 seasons as coach.
Particularly about 47-year-old Patricia and his time with the Patriots, Belichick mentioned: “He was improbable. He has quite a lot of expertise – he did issues when he was right here, after which after all he had his experiences in Detroit. [2018-2020]. Then final yr [with the Patriots as a senior adviser], issues like COVID guidelines and that sort of factor. He has been an excellent assist to me and the group.”
Patricia first joined the Patriots in 2004 as a common assistant coach earlier than shifting to assistant offensive line coach the next season. He was appointed full-back coach in 2006 and remained in defence.
Belichick does not see Patricia’s transfer this yr as something out of the norm.
“We have had quite a lot of coaches with a number of obligations. I am not likely apprehensive about that,” he mentioned, noting that McDaniels and present New York Giants coach Brian Dabol started their careers as defensive coaches earlier than shifting to attacking.
“I feel a great coach is an effective coach. Matt is a good coach. Joe is a good coach. They’ll assist us it doesn’t matter what place they coach.”
Reflecting Belichick who referred to as Patricia’s place with the Patriots a “broad function,” Patricia is current with Belichick on the NFL’s annual assembly, a rarity for an assistant coach.
Belichick mentioned his offensive teaching employees is probably going full, with Patricia, Decide, tight-ends coach Nick Kaley and reception coach Troy Brown amongst these he named. Decide has one yr of offense teaching expertise within the NFL – in 2019 as a receiving coach (plus particular groups duties).
When requested who would name the performs, an space during which he continuously cited McDaniels’ excellence, Belichick mentioned, “We’re not going to name anybody for some time… It may be onerous to interchange, however I really feel like we have got actually good coaches on our employees…. It may be. Everybody has a particular function, as they at all times do. The offseason is off season, and as soon as we get on the sphere, teaching gamers, planning the sport and issues will work themselves out.”
Belichick mentioned workers work via their system analysis course of, which is a necessary a part of any low season, but the abuse that comes collectively to maximise Jones’ expertise shall be a mirrored image of him.
“In the long run it’s my accountability,” he mentioned.
