Mar 16, 2022; Atlanta, GA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and senior advisor Matt Patricia watch during Georgia Pro Day at William Porter Payne and Porter Otis Payne Indoor Athletic Facility. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

The Patriots brought in a former assistant of Matt Patricia during their first practice of the week.

As reported Monday by Phil Perry of NBC Sports Boston, the Patriots hosted former Lions executive Kevin Anderson for a visit at practice on Monday. Anderson first joined Detroit in 2016 to go work with GM Bob Quinn, who previously worked in New England. He then served as the team’s Chief of Staff/Head Coach Administration under Patricia, and stayed in that role through the 2021 season.

Perry added that, in light of his multiple coaching roles during training camp, Patricia’s front office responsibilities “have been dialed back a bit.” He is officially the team’s senior football advisor and offensive line coach under Bill Belichick, but is also calling plays on offense and appears to be on track to start the season as the de facto offensive coordinator.

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It’s unclear whether Anderson was just visiting an old friend, or there’s potential for him to come aboard the Patriots in some fashion.

Patricia acknowledged in a press conference Monday morning that the Patriots have gone through some growing pains learning a new offensive system, and that the coaches are sharing in that grind.

“I think everybody’s in the same boat in that situation, I think everybody is trying to get their rhythm and trying to understand what we’re doing and move it in different directions,” Patricia said Monday. “I think for all of us, change is a little bit uncomfortable and it’s being comfortable in uncomfortable situations, that’s what makes things be able to kind of progress and grow. So I would say all of us probably have all of that.”

It’s possible that Patricia won’t carry all of his many roles into the regular season, and the Patriots are preparing others to take over certain responsibilities once the real games begin. But if they can bring in someone to take a little off Patricia’s plate, that could benefit everyone.

The Patriots and Panthers are working together in joint practices on Tuesday and Wednesday. We’ll have you covered there live from Foxboro. Click here for all Patriots training camp 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. You can also email him at mdolloff@985thesportshub.com.