Legendary Patriots coach reveals reality with Bill Belichick’s staff for 2022
By Mike Luciano
Despite New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick voicing his frustration with assistants poaching some of his top coaches, Josh McDaniels sucked this staff dry. Names like Carmen Bricillo, Mick Lombardi, and Bo Hardegree have taken positions with the Las Vegas Raiders and joined the Pats’ former offensive coordinator.
Rather than grabbing an up-and-coming offensive mind, Belichick seems content with bringing back some of his close confidants and letting them handle the offense. Considering how they have a Pro Bowl quarterback in Mac Jones, helping his development should be the top priority.
Instead of hiring a young whiz kid, Belichick rehired former Giants coach Joe Judge and promised an expanded role for Matt Patricia. Judge will reportedly work with the quarterbacks, while Patricia might handle offensive line duties. It is unclear who will call plays.
Former Pats assistant and legendary OL coach Dante Scarnecchia claims that Belichick already has his idea of what he wants the coaching staff to look like. New England is no stranger to replacing coaches that bolt the organization with young candidates that have been around the team, and it looks like Belichick is following his old guidelines to replace McDaniels.
"The decisions probably have been made. They’re going to go with guys that are already in the building."
— Pats Pulpit (@patspulpit) February 24, 2022
Dante Scarnecchia shares his thoughts on the #Patriots’ coaching staff. https://t.co/94tLtL6rD5
Is the New England Patriots’ coaching staff finalized?
"“You can understand the frustration by people on the outside, but if you’re in the building my suspicion is the decisions have been made,” the former Patriots offensive line coach said. “Honestly, I have no idea what’s going on in there but the decisions probably have been made.”"
On one hand, Belichick has consistently had success when it comes to promoting coaches internally and moving them to different positions around the staff. If it’s worked in the past, why should Bill have any reason to doubt it potentially working again this season?
On the other hand, you have a young quarterback in Jones, so the decision to hire a special teams coach and defensive coordinator to coach positions they have no experience with sounds disastrous. Furthermore, Belichick is limiting the quality of his staff by not looking for external candidates.
The nepotism inherent in promoting his sons as defensive coaches may also not be the most prudent.
Per @AlbertBreer, Joe Judge is expected to work with the QBs and Matt Patricia will work with the offensive line (where he has worked in NE).
— Henry McKenna (@McKennAnalysis) February 21, 2022
The Patriots have too much in place at the quarterback position and in the front office to totally bottom out and lose a lot of games next year. However, messing up the offensive hires could be the difference between a playoff run and a quick exit.