Patriots Rumors: Matt Patricia “destined to leave” this offseason
By Brian Hines
New England Patriots Rumors: Defensive Matt Patricia looks like he could be on the way to a different organization this offseason.
As the New England Patriots are in the midst of their bye-week, Patriots rumors are picking up as teams with coaching vacancies are starting to conduct interviews with possible candidates.
As usual, a hand full of teams are requesting to meet with Patriot coaches, including defensive coordinator Matt Patricia.
Teams are already trying to meet with the former rocket scientist, including the New York Giants, Arizona Cardinals and the Detroit Lions.
"[Patricia has] gotten calls from just about every team that has an opening right now,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter said. He added that “last year when he interviewed with teams, they said he was smart enough to be a general manager. He looks destined to leave NE at this point in time.”"
Patricia is considered one of the most respected defensive minds in the NFL, especially after working under Belichick since 2004. In each of the last four seasons, the Patriots are the only team to keep their opponents under 20 points per game (18.4).
New England Patriots
The Lions are currently considered the favorite, as former Patriots executive Bob Quinn is the current GM.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reported that the Lions are taking a “hard look” at Patricia. Of course, that means Patricia’s potential strategies on the field and how he could keep the current offensive staff in place.
However, throughout his time in New England, Patricia has been in the middle of some controversy.
Patricia ruffled the feathers of commissioner Roger Goodell after stepping out of the team plane post-Super Bowl 51 with a Barstool T-shirt on portraying Goodell’s face with a clown nose. In July, it was reported the shirt upset Goodell and he was still “miffed“.
Perhaps Goodell could try to persuade Quinn away from Patricia, or the whole act could steer the Lions away from him in the first place.
Along with the T-shirt, many people have mentioned Patricia’s personality and appearance. Patricia’s look of the big beard, backward hat and pencil behind the ear give forth the idea that he shouldn’t be a head coach.
The Boston Globe’s Ben Volin also mentioned how his communication skills aren’t that of what head coaches should be.
"“I’d be concerned just with Patricia’s communication skills. I hope he’s a better interviewer and speaks more directly than he does in these press conferences … He’s going to be a guy who speaks to your organization, speaks to your players everyday, speaks to the media everyday, and he’s not that great of a public speaker right now. Those are important things to consider when you’re hiring a head coach.”"
If Patricia does in fact leave, that would mean current linebacker coach Brian Flores would most likely be promoted to defensive coordinator.
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Flores has been groomed to eventually take over for Patricia and will likely become a head coach at some point in his coaching career. He already has an interview this offseason with the Arizona Cardinals.