Patriots: Insider shares potential changes to 2021 coaching staff

A Patriots insider highlighted potential changes that can happen to the coaching staff next season.

With the New England Patriots failing to qualify for the playoffs for the first time since 2008, fans can expect extensive changes to be made both to the roster and the coaching staff. After all, bringing in fresh faces at positions that have struggled to produce this season will go a long way in helping them return to contenders.

When it comes to the coaching staff, however, it sounds like the Patriots are already preparing to shuffle things around in the offseason.

In a telling interview with NESN this week, Patriots running backs coach Ivan Fears foreshadowed a potential succession plan when he admitted that, while he would love to return to the franchise in a prominent capacity in 2021, he also wouldn’t mind if Troy Brown started assuming some of his responsibilities next season.

"“I could see that a guy like Troy brings a lot more energy to the group when he’s at practice, and that’s important,” Fears said. “That, to me, is important. And if I can just watch him for a while and hang on and be around, I would love it.”“It’s getting to the point where a younger guy needs to control that practice. And a guy like Troy is — he’s exciting, plus he’s a player. He’s played this game. He’s got something that I can’t bring, and that’s that player experience level, and that’s special. And fortunately, we’re blessed because he’s special as a person. I’ve enjoyed having him out there. I really have. I’ve really enjoyed it.”"

If these selfless comments don’t prove why Fears has spent 24 seasons (!) as a member of the Patriots’ coaching staff, then we’re not sure what will. The 66-year-old is as authentic as any assistant in the league and, despite his established reputation as an elite offensive mind, knows that transitioning to a younger coach with vast experience playing in the NFL is probably in the best interest of the team moving forward.

Brown, of course, spent all 15 seasons of his career with the Patriots. He helped them win three championships during that span and was even named to the Pro Bowl in 2001, when he registered 101 receptions for 1,199 yards and five touchdowns. The former star wide receiver ironically works alongside Fears as the team’s dual RBs coach, but it hasn’t taken long for him to prove his worth in that department.

Fears is obviously as good-natured as they come, but he also wouldn’t go around handing out praise like this if it wasn’t warranted. To put it simply, his comments on Brown’s development since he first started sharing the “RBs coach” title with him at training camp prove that we can see him take on an expanded role next season.

Given how much the Patriots have struggled this campaign, fans shouldn’t be surprised if more potential changes are made to the coaching staff in the coming months as well.

Patriots: Projecting a big-money JC Jackson extension

With Patriots cornerback JC Jackson enjoying another stellar season, what could a potential contract extension for him look like?