6 rings: reacting to the patriots' new coaching staff
New Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo took time out of his and his three new coordinators’ days on Wednesday to formally introduce them to the media down in Foxborough.
In a new format, seated behind a long table as opposed to standing behind a dais, Mayo introduced DC DeMarcus Covington, STC Jeremy Springer, and OC Alex Van Pelt before turning the microphone over to the three of them.
Here are three quick thoughts from the day:
– Alex Van Pelt was allowed to build his own offensive staff
When Bill Belichick and the Patriots hired Bill O’Brien as their offensive coordinator last season, it was reported by the Boston Herald that some believed O'Brien “wanted to clean house and build his own offensive staff”, but wasn’t allowed to by Belichick. In the piece, Andrew Callahan and Doug Kyed added that Belichick, “allowed one hire” in tight ends coach Will Lawing.
This season, under Jerod Mayo, his offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt was allowed full input in hiring his own staff:
“I think one important thing is, for offensive coordinators,” Mayo explained on Wednesday, “is really to have the ability to have major input in hiring their own staff.”
He later added, “In saying that, I would say it was a combination between you know Eliot, myself, Groh, and AVP to really nail this staff down.”
– “One of 32”
Both defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington and special teams coordinator Jeremy Springer know just how valuable their new positions are.
“There’s only 32 [NFL] defensive coordinators in the world,” Covington said when asked about his new opportunity. “There’s only 32 so I don’t take that lightly. I think anybody in this position… there are so many people that are dying to get our jobs– or should I say are wanting to get our jobs. I don’t take that for granted.”
“Huge man,” said Springer when posed with a similar question. “I talk about the process, I talk about young guys. As a coach, being where I started, as a graduate assistant, working my way up. It’s an opportunity, at the end of the day. It’s an opportunity to be one of the 32 coaches, as a coordinator, at this level, and I don’t take that lightly. I’m very humbled and grateful for it. Thankful to Coach Mayo for giving me the opportunity. And I’m going to do everything that I can to keep this job, and be effective and successful at it, and help this team win games at the end of the day.”
– A whole new world
Following the formal pressers, we were given an off-the-record opportunity to “vibe and connect” (as Mayo described it) with the Patriots’ assistant coaches and though we can’t report on it, it goes to show just how different things will be in New England under this new regime.
Just over a month ago, Bill Belichick wouldn’t even take questions from reporters at his final press conference after 24 years in Foxborough. Now, we’re having hors d'oeuvres and building relationships with the entire staff.
It really is a new era in New England.
Make sure to follow Mike on Twitter @mikekadlick, and follow @WEEI for the latest up-to-date Patriots and Boston sports news!
Related
