If you’re hoping for more changes on the Patriots’ coaching staff, but also for Matt Patricia and Joe Judge to both leave New England altogether, the latest report will leave you, at best, conflicted.

Jeff Howe reported in The Athletic on Thursday that Patricia is “still assessing his future, and it appears all options remain on the table.” But when it comes to Judge’s future, it’s a little more definitive.

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• According to Howe, Judge “will return to the coaching staff in a different role that has yet to be determined.” The much-maligned former New York Giants head coach spent the 2022 season as the Patriots’ quarterbacks coach, a role that is now granted to returning offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien. Judge and his behind-the-scenes behavior in Foxboro were painted in an unflattering light as part of an in-depth report in the Boston Herald on the Patriots’ dysfunction on offense.

  Judge earlier in his career spent 11 seasons between the NFL and college coaching special teams. He was a special teams assistant at Alabama from 2009-11, then spent eight seasons in various ST roles with the Patriots, including special teams coordinator from 2015-19. So, reassigning him to that area of the roster makes the most logical sense, but there’s no indication that the team plans to remove or reassign current special teams coordinator Cam Achord.

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  CLEVELAND, OHIO – OCTOBER 16: Bailey Zappe #4 of the New England Patriots talks with quarterbacks coach Joe Judge against the Cleveland Browns during the second quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 16, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)

• As for Patricia, he could still return to the Patriots in a different role than 2022, when he was the offensive play-caller and offensive line coach, in addition to senior football advisor. Howe reports that the Pats will indeed hire a new offensive line coach, and that O’Brien will have input on the search for new assistants.

  What’s clear, though, is that Patricia’s next gig will not be on offense. Per Howe, Patricia “may opt for a fresh start with another team’s defensive staff.” Patricia was the Patriots’ defensive coordinator from 2012-17, and that side of the ball has comprised most of his NFL experience.

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  LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – AUGUST 26: Senior football advisor Matt Patricia of the New England Patriots speaks to quarterback Mac Jones #10 of the New England Patriots during the first half of a preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on August 26, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)

• There’s also the case of Patriots tight ends coach Nick Caley, who recently interviewed for the Jets’ offensive coordinator job, which they ultimately gave to former Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett. So, the Pats could be in the market for a new TE coach, as well.

  On the offensive line, Adrian Klemm appears to be the current favorite. He was set to visit the Patriots in Foxboro for a second interview, after recently interviewing for the OC job.

• Clearly, there’s still plenty of work to do for Bill Belichick and O’Brien to assemble the Patriots’ remade offensive coaching staff. And it remains unclear exactly how much work, until Patricia and Judge’s futures are decided. We’ll be sure to keep you updated with the latest reporting on the situation here at 985TheSportsHub.com.

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  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 @realmattdolloff. Check out all of Matt’s content here.

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