Patriots reportedly re-hire Matt Patricia in assistant role
By Adam Weinrib
It’s happening. The Patriots are bringing back Matt Patricia.
Now you realize why Bill Belichick was so coy every time he was asked about Matt Patricia’s potential return to New England following his dismissal in Detroit.
I mean, you probably felt this reunion coming deep in your bones, but now you know for sure.
The news broke in a Friday news dump — as is Patriots tradition — that MattPat was coming home, not to serve as the defensive coordinator once more, but to assist in “a variety of roles,” presumably…pertaining to the defense.
Also, former Lions staffer Evan Rothstein, a floater on the Detroit staff, will be coming with him.
New: Matt Patricia is coming back to New England and will assist the Patriots coaching staff in a variety of roles, a league source confirmed. In addition, Evan Rothstein, who worked in a several roles with the Lions, also will join New England's staff. https://t.co/dUpYe8C1tl
— Jim McBride (@globejimmcbride) January 22, 2021
Patricia’s tenure in Detroit would’ve left him “unhire-able” in the view of many, but Belichick has obviously always had a soft spot for the denizen of the laminated play sheet.
Throughout his time with the Pats, Patricia received plenty of praise for a “bend, don’t break” defense that eventually wilted over time, spectacularly imploding during a Super Bowl LII loss to the Eagles that hilariously preceded his departure for the Lions. As a head coach in Detroit, he went 13-29-1 over the course of three seasons, an immediate downgrade from Jim Caldwell.
Patricia will reportedly evaluate defensive personnel as a major component of his new job in New England, which makes sense; after all, he’s always gotten credit for the elevation of Malcolm Butler, and likely always will.
Evaluating personnel will be a big part of this for Matt Patricia on a deal that’s been in the works for a week. https://t.co/GahcrrYaDN
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 22, 2021
Just under two months ago, when the idea of Patricia’s return was broached with Belichick after a thunderously boring victory over the Arizona Cardinals, the head coach insisted he wasn’t thinking past that game, telling gathered reporters, “Collectively as a staff, I think our defensive coaches really work well together.”
And yet, given the chance to poach an old friend after a season packed with unfamiliarity, Belichick unsurprisingly opted in. We’ll see how Patricia progresses in a reduced role after a humbling stint in the NFC North.
