Skip to Search Skip to Live Player Skip to Content Skip to Footer

New England Patriots

New England Patriots

New England Patriots

Patriots bringing in one of Bill O’Brien’s guys to help run offense

By Matt Dolloff

It’s clear now that Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien has a big influence on who else they hire.

According to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, the Patriots are bringing in former Texans and Alabama assistant Will Lawing to their offensive coaching staff. Lawing has been an O’Brien assistant for a decade, going all the way back to Penn State in 2013. He also worked for O’Brien at the Houston Texans from 2014-20, then Alabama in 2021-22.

Reiss didn’t report any specifics as to Lawing’s role with the Patriots, other than that he’ll work on the offense. But it’s certainly worth noting that Lawing coached tight ends for the Texans from 2019-20. Patriots tight ends coach Nick Caley recently interviewed with, coincidentally, the Texans for their offensive coordinator opening, so he’s a flight risk this off-season.

  • HOUSTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 04: Head coach Bill O'Brien of the Houston Texans looks on against the Buffalo Bills during the second quarter of the AFC Wild Card Playoff game at NRG Stadium on January 04, 2020 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

    HOUSTON, TEXAS – JANUARY 04: Head coach Bill O’Brien of the Houston Texans looks on against the Buffalo Bills during the second quarter of the AFC Wild Card Playoff game at NRG Stadium on January 04, 2020 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

  • Lawing was simply a “football analyst” at Alabama. He got his start in coaching at Juniata College in Pennsylvania, where he went from tight ends coach to passing game coordinator to offensive coordinator in a span of three seasons. So he’s a guy who’s had his hands in all aspects of the offense, even if it’s not in the NFL.

    For that reason, it wouldn’t be shocking if Lawing filled a different role on the offensive staff than tight ends. And that may be a necessity, anyway, if Caley ends up staying. But you can expect the Patriots to take a more conventional approach with how they fill out the offensive coaches. The last thing ownership or fans want is more “outside-the-box” moves by Bill Belichick on his staff.

    It remains to be seen what Lawing’s actual title is, but it’s fair to wonder if he’s the precursor to Caley’s departure. That would still leave the Patriots without an offensive line coach, so either way, there are more moves to come.

  • Sports Hub Patriots Podcast | Offseason Plans

    (Click here to subscribe to Patriots Audio on 98.5 The Sports Hub.)

  • Click here for complete New England Patriots coverage at 985TheSportsHub.com.

    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.

NEXT: There’s A New Update On Jerod Mayo’s Role With The Patriots

Sign me up for the 98.5 The Sports Hub email newsletter!

Get the latest Boston sports news and analysis, plus exclusive on-demand content and special giveaways from Boston's Home for Sports, 98.5 The Sports Hub.

*
*
By clicking "Subscribe" I agree to the website's terms of Service and Privacy Policy. I understand I can unsubscribe at any time.
Tags
,,,,,