For years New England fans have been preparing for the eventual departure of offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and defensive coordinator Matt Patricia. Both coaches were expected to be picked up for head coaching jobs much earlier than this, but this is the year they both finally depart. Reports have surfaced saying that Josh McDaniels will become the next head coach of the Indianapolis Colts. Matt Patricia is also reported to join the Detroit Lions as their head coach, leaving both spots completely open for new names, but who should fans look out for?
Offensive Coordinator Candidates
Chad O’Shea
O’Shea is currently the WR coach for New England. He was hired by New England in 2009 as WR when former WR coach (and now Texans HC) Bill O’Brien was shifted to QB coach. The 45-year old had spent time with Kansas City and Minnesota at the NFL level before accepting the job with the Patriots. Considering Belichick hasn’t really taken outsiders as his coordinators, it would make sense that O’Shea gets the bump.
Jerry Schuplinski
It may be a little premature, but you can never be to careful with Belichick. Schuplinski is the assistant QB coach. There’s currently no “head” QB coach, as McDaniels has the title as well. He joined the staff in 2013 as an offensive assistant and has been focusing on QBs since the beginning of the 2016 season. Schuplinski got his notoriety for preparing Jacoby Brissett during his rookie season. The QB was called upon to make two starts and replace Jimmy Garoppolo after injury against Miami. Again, it would probably be a little premature for Schuplinski to make that leap. A more realistic outcome for him is taking over the main QB coach role.
Charlie Weis
I know it’s been some time for Charlie Weis, but I could honestly see it happening. For those who don’t remember, Weis was the offensive coordinator in New England from 2000-2004 where he was a major part of the three championships the Patriots won. Since leaving, Weis has been scrutinized and under-performed nearly everywhere he’s been. The one spot he had success was his return to OC, this time in Kansas City, where he helped the Chiefs to a 10-6 record.
Weis is rather familiar with the system, the head coach, and the QB, so I could see Bill giving him a shot at redemption.
Defensive Coordinator Candidates
Brian Flores
Flores has put in the time with New England. He’s been with the organization, first as a scout, and then as a coach since 2004. Flores was the safeties coach from 2012-2015 and has resided over LBs since then. He’s done a tremendous job coaching up guys like Dont’a Hightower and Kyle Van Noy recently, and during his time as safeties coach he helped FS Devin McCourty make the switch from CB. The talent is there and the command is there, but there’s one problem. Arizona is taking a look at him to be the next head coach. If the Cardinals go in another direction, Flores is a lock for the job.
Stephen Belichick
Bill’s oldest son has been moving up the ranks in the organization. He joined New England in 2012 as a defensive assistant after his time playing at Rutgers. In 2016, he took over as safeties coach. Stephen has received praise from the likes of Devin McCourty, one of the league’s best safeties. Also, in the past two years we have seen a huge improvement in the play of SS Patrick Chung. Some of this, although we’ll never know how much, could be contributed to Belichick. This is another pick that is probably too early, but Belichick wants to set his sons up for success, so it’s a slim possibility.
Pepper Johnson
Pepper Johnson got to play under Bill for the New York Giants, Cleveland Browns, and New York Jets. When he retired from playing, he found Belichick again. He joined the Patriots coaching staff in 2000 and worked his way up from an assistant to LB and DL coach. Johnson was part of New England’s first three Super Bowls, but left in 2014 to coach with Buffalo and then the Jets as a defensive line coach.
Pepper obviously still knows the system. This move will really depend on the feelings between Belichick and Johnson. They may not be on the best terms after Johnson’s attempted careers with two division rivals.
Greg Schiano
Schiano and Belichick have been really close for years. Schiano coached Stephen at Rutgers, and Belichick has drafted so many Rutgers alumni that it’s hard to keep count. Now, Schiano is on the staff of another “Friend of Belichick” Urban Meyer at Ohio State as defensive coordinator/assistant head coach. This is a pretty solid gig for a guy who went 11-21 in his NFL career as a head coach. He’s reportedly been getting interest from NFL teams, and if Bill came calling, I’m sure he’d answer.
My picks: Chad O’Shea and Brian Flores
They both make just too much sense. I don’t know if Flores will skip over being a coordinator to directly become a head coach of a team with no QB and an aging star receiver. Their defense is great though, and there’s familiarity with Chandler Jones being a staple at DE/OLB.
Who do you think should/will get the call? Let me know!