Multiple teams are reportedly pursuing hiring Matt Patricia

It's becoming clear long-time Patriots assistant coach Matt Patricia will be working elsewhere in 2023. Patricia, who spent most of his career as a defensive coach before being moved into the offensive play-caller role in 2022, is reportedly a coaching free agent, and a popular one at that.

Two weeks ago, it was reported that the Denver Broncos were interviewing Patricia for their defensive coordinator role. Even though he didn't get the job, it was suggested he still could end up in Denver in another role. As it turns out though, the Broncos aren't the only team in the running to hire Patricia.

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Coming away from this week's NFL Combine, much more was learned about Patricia's current situation. "Matt Patricia, who interviewed for the Denver Broncos' defensive coordinator job that ended up going to Vance Joseph, has spoken with other teams about roles on their defensive coaching staffs," ESPN's Dan Graziano wrote on Sunday. "Patricia's contract in New England is up, and it feels likely he'll move on somewhere else after a rough year coaching the offense for the Pats."

While Graziano didn't name any specific teams, another report did. Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald shared on Sunday afternoon that the defending NFC Champions are among those trying to land Patricia.

"I’m hearing that Matt Patricia has a shot to land with the Philadelphia Eagles on the defensive staff, presumably as a linebackers coach," she tweeted.

Patricia would be an interesting fit in Philadelphia for a number of reasons, but maybe none more than the fact he'd be reunited with cornerback Darius Slay, who he coached in Detroit. Slay, who is 32 and entering the final year of his contract with the Eagles, has been highly critical of Patricia for his time in Detroit. Appearing on Toucher & Rich during Super Bowl week, Slay said that "as a man, me and him just don’t get along."

If Patricia does end up in Philadelphia, that would set up a return to Foxborough. The Patriots are scheduled to host the Eagles next season.

For now, the Eagles and Broncos are the only two teams known to be pursuing Patricia, but it sounds like there may be others. So not only will Patricia likely find work quickly after a tough 2022 season, there may even be a bidding war to hire him.

Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.