Matt Patricia Flies to Philly: Who's Running Patriots Defense?
Matt Patricia's second stint with the New England Patriots ended on Thursday as the Philadelphia Eagles announced they were hiring him away from Foxboro as their senior defensive assistant.
The ex-Detroit Lions head coach spent 13 years in Foxboro, six of which were as the defensive coordinator. But after three seasons in Detroit ended with a 13-29-1 record, Patricia returned to New England for two more seasons.
But he found himself relieved of his duties as offensive play-caller following last season, during which he led a unit that finished 26th in total yards and 17th in points per game.
Now with the long-time Patriots assistant packing his bags, what does it mean for the rest of the staff? The two on-field coaching duties that Patricia held last season have already been filled as Bill O'Brien was brought back to lead the offense, while Adrian Klemm was hired to take over as the offensive line coach.
Despite also calling the shots offensively, Patricia's official role as a "senior defensive advisor" still meant he had a little input with the defense behind the scenes. Which makes sense, as in his first stint he presided over the Patriots' defense in two Super Bowl-winning seasons.
Now with Patricia's veteran mind out of the meeting room, the Patriots will turn to linebackers coach Jerod Mayo and Stephen Belichick, son of Bill.
Mayo, 37, seems to be a coaching name on the rise after declining interviews for jobs elsewhere in favor of staying with the Patriots. He will presumably handle most of the coordinating duties alongside Stephen.
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