Is Bill Belichick simply running the Patriots offense now?
The departure of longtime Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, along with several assistants, left a significant hole in New England’s offensive staff. With uncertainty clouding the remaining coaches, beliefs are growing that Bill Belichick could simply take it upon himself to run that side of the ball in 2022.
In a new column for ESPN.com, Jeremy Fowler details that Belichick could add to his duties by leading the offensive game-planning and play-calling next season.
“The intrigue deepens on the New England Patriots’ approach to offense without a true play-caller,” Fowler wrote. “There’s sort of an open belief leaguewide that coach Bill Belichick could call the plays or, at the very least, have more involvement in the offense. He’s involved in everything, to be sure, but he could really dig in here.”
Throughout his tenure with the Patriots, Belichick gained an identity as a defensive mastermind that granted offensive coordinators like Charlie Weis, Bill O’Brien and Josh McDaniels more control over the offense. With no obvious internal replacement for McDaniels, Belichick may have to take extra time to develop young quarterback Mac Jones and grow the offense in his second year.
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Patriots may need to replace over half of offensive coaching staff
Josh McDaniels
Jul 30, 2021; Foxborough, MA, United States; New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels reacts during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports
McDaniels, of course, highlights the group of departures this offseason. The former offensive coordinator turned Raiders head coach has been a part of the Patriots for almost the entire Bill Belichick era. Originally hired as a personnel assistant in 2001, McDaniels first defined coaching job with the Patriots was on the defensive side of the ball as a defensive assistant in 2002 and 2003.
It wasn’t until his fourth year that McDaniels became a part of the offensive coaching staff, when he was named the quarterbacks coach in 2004. Two years later, he had offensive coordinator added to his title, a role he held until leaving to coach the Denver Broncos in 2009. After a quick stop in St. Louis, McDaniels returned as the Patriots’ OC in 2012 and had held that role since.
Ivan Fears
Dec 2, 2018; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots running backs coach Ivan Fears celebrates a win over the Minnesota Vikings at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports
Although it’s not official yet, multiple reports have indicated Fears plans to retire at some point this offseason. The 67-year-old is one of the few staffers who has been with the Patriots longer than Belichick – he first worked for the team as a receivers coach in 1991 and 1992, then after a short stint with the Chicago Bears returned to that job in 1999 before taking over his current job as running backs coach in 2002. Vinnie Sunseri was the Patriots’ assistant running backs coach last year, and wide receivers coach Troy Brown has experience coaching the position as well.
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