The Patriots’ offense has been home to some of the most experienced, proven, successful play callers in football over the last two decades as Josh McDaniels, Bill O’Brien and Charlie Weis oversaw what was one of the most successful NFL attacks more often than not.
But, with McDaniels having moved on to become the head coach of the Raiders this offseason and O’Brien entrenched running Alabama’s offense, New England has major question marks on it offensive coaching staff.
Bill Belichick made it clear during the NFL meetings this spring that former Giants head coach Joe Judge and former Lions head coach Matt Patricia would have key roles on the Patriots offensive coaching staff. Though the duo clearly has their boss’ respect after rising up the ranks in New England working with special teams and defense, respectively, they are curious choices at best to help replace McDaniels.
According to ESPN, though, Judge and Patricia indeed seem to be key cogs on the practice field this spring as Mac Jones and the rest of the unit work through the offseason program headed toward OTAs, mini-camp and eventually training camp action.
“Here’s something that was relayed to me,” ESPN’s Mike Reiss said. “That if you were on the field for these sessions and you just closed your eyes and listened you would know who the leading presence is for the offense among the coaches. The voices of Matt Patricia and Joe Judge standing above everyone else. They are leading this offense.”
But it’s one thing for veteran, experienced former head coaches to be the loudest voices on the practice field, it’s another thing to consider who will replace McDaniels on game days calling plays. That would be quite a leap for either Judge or Patricia, two guys with extremely limited – Judge coached the Patriots receivers in 2019 in addition to his special teams duties, while Patricia was the Patriots assistant offensive line coach in 2005 before moving to the defensive side of the ball for the next decade and a half – experience on the offensive side of the ball.
According to ESPN the Patriots are very likely to have a very unique offensive play caller in 2022, the voice in Jones’ ear before every play of his critical second NFL season.
“Now, Bill Belichick hasn’t said who is going to call the plays,” Reiss said. “But it will most likely be one of those two. I’m told don’t be surprised if it’s Matt Patricia.”
Judge and Patricia are obviously trusted, respected and accomplished Belichick assistants. Just because they failed miserably as head coaches, doesn’t mean they aren’t capable coaches. But are they capable of critical new roles on offense, rather than in their areas of previous expertise? Are they better suited to run the offense in New England and call plays than a more traditional candidate, such as developing young Patriots tight ends coach Nick Caley?
According to ESPN, it sounds like we’re going find out, with Patricia the most likely guy to get the first shot filling McDaniels’ big shoes.