Best picks to replace the entire Patriots coaching staff in 2024

Dream defensive coordinator: Rob Ryan

An experienced defensive coordinator would be helpful to add some balance to the new pair on the offensive side. And who’s more experienced (and fun) than Rob Ryan? He’s been a defensive coordinator before, too, five times, in fact! He’s got Patriots experience, too; he was a linebackers coach between 2000 and 2003. So, he was around for two Super Bowl wins.  

Ryan is currently a “senior advisor” at the Raiders, who could be having their own shakeup; he might be available if he fancies stepping back into the ring. 

Dream special teams coach: Matthew Slater

Special teams coaches are interesting; people rarely hear about them unless something spectacular happens. Something spectacularly good or spectacularly bad. But the Patriots have their own special teams guru in Matthew Slater.  

It would be a bit of a jump to go from playing to coordinating, but Slater has worked with many different coaches and coordinators in his 16-year career. It’s not like he’s got anything left to learn. The man is a 10-time Pro Bowler and three-time Super Bowl champion. He knows more than most special teams coordinators will ever will. 

A team deciding to end a dynasty in any sport is always a gamble. They usually come to a natural conclusion when the coach decides to retire. Duke men's basketball hasn’t been the same since Coach K stepped away, and Manchester United has been disastrous since Sir Alex Ferguson left.

If Robert Kraft is confident this will improve the team, he’d better ensure he finds the perfect replacement. 

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