Report: Patriots bringing back familiar face for offensive staff
The Patriots are officially in the post-Josh McDaniels era on offense, so big decisions need to be made on the coaching staff for 2022. They’re reportedly close to making one, and with a name New England fans will recognize.
As first reported by Albert Breer of The MMQB on The Patriots are working on a deal to bring back ex-Giants coach Joe Judge as an offensive assistant, per sources. Expected to get done in the coming days.
Jeff Howe of The Athletic This has been a possibility for a few weeks. Nothing set in stone yet, but Judge has had interest from NFL and college teams since leaving the Giants. A return to New England had been on the table as the Patriots sorted out their staff for 2022. https://t.co/XWaEFjjxSW The #Patriots are working through some things, but they may not hire an OC. The addition of Joe Judge gives them added leadership on offense and allows them to move some responsibilities around. So Judge heads back home. https://t.co/85SWqbq5lw
However, Rapoport also said that the Patriots “may not hire” someone with the title of Offensive Coordinator, much like they have lacked an official defensive coordinator since 2019. The last time the Patriots lacked an OC was the 2010 season, when Bill O’Brien ostensibly called the plays but held the title of Quarterbacks Coach.
As of Tuesday, Judge would join a coaching staff that includes offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo, wide receivers/kick returners coach Troy Brown, tight ends coach Nick Caley, quality control/quarterbacks coach Bo Hardegree, receivers coach Mick Lombardi, running backs coach Vinnie Sunseri, and assistant offensive line coach Billy Yates. Longtime running backs coach Ivan Fears is expected to retire.
Judge had previously served as the Patriots’ special teams coordinator from 2015-19, but in 2019 also coached wide receivers. The Pats ranked in the top 10 in opposing yards allowed on both kick and punt returns in Judge’s last season coordinating special teams. In 2021, their ranking dropped to 14th and 15th, respectively, while they were the only team to have three punts blocked.
McDaniels’ presence at the helm of the Patriots’ offense provided stability. So, without an official replacement in 2022, it’s fair to wonder if a committee approach would threaten to disrupt that. But there’s plenty of time for more decisions to be made in the off-season.
Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff and follow him on Instagram @mattydsays. You can also email him at mdolloff@985thesportshub.com.
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