As one of the top pre-draft collegiate all-star games, the Shrine Bowl represents an excellent opportunity for NFL talent evaluators to see some of the best college prospects in the game.
But this year, with the Patriots slated to coach the West team, it also represents an opportunity to see what New England’s new coaching staff could look like next season.
Bill Belichick will be in a supervisory role, and notably, Jerod Mayo and Bill O’Brien are listed alongside him. That indicates Belichick may take a more collaborative approach with his staff, with Mayo possibly ascending to an associate head coach-type role, and O’Brien taking control of the offense.
Troy Brown will be the head coach of the team, signaling the Patriots may provide him with additional responsibilities. He’s coached multiple positions since joining Belichick’s staff in 2019, including receivers this year.
Ross Douglas, who started as a defensive assistant with the Patriots in 2021, will be the offensive coordinator. At 29 years old, he’s the youngest member of the Shrine Bowl staff.
Cornerbacks coach Mike Pellegrino and safeties coach Brian Belichick will share defensive coordinator responsibilities. Steve Belichick, who’s split defensive coordinator responsibilities with Mayo over the last couple of seasons, isn’t listed on the roster.
Neither are Joe Judge and Matt Patricia. That could signal they are on the way out, or will fill diminished roles next season. It’s been reported this week that Patricia, whose contract with the Lions has expired, could leave the organization.
Tight ends coach Nick Caley isn’t on the staff, either. He’s already interviewed for the Patriots’ and Jets’ offensive coordinator positions this month, as his contract with the team expired.
Interestingly, Evan Rothstein, who worked in tandem with Patricia in Detroit and was heavily involved in offensive game planning this season, will be the running backs coach.
The Shrine Bowl will take place Feb. 2 in Las Vegas.