Maybe Joe Judge and Matt Patricia won’t be calling plays after all.
Some around the NFL still expect the Patriots to land an experienced offensive coach, reports Phil Perry of NBC Sports Boston. “The role that continuously comes up in conversations is a quarterbacks coach and/or play-caller,” he writes.
Earlier this week, SI’s Albert Breer reported Judge, whom the Patriots rehired as an offensive assistant, is expected to work with quarterbacks next season. While quarterbacks coach is always an important role, it is especially significant for the Patriots, considering Mac Jones is entering his second year.
Breer also mentioned Matt Patricia could coach the offensive line. He was the Patriots’ assistant O-line coach in 2005.
Tight ends coach Nick Caley could also take on more responsibility, and with Josh McDaniels’ departure, he’s the longest-tenured member of the offensive staff. Caley is entering his eighth season with the Patriots.
Bill O’Brien’s name is regularly floated in connection with the Patriots, though the Patriots apparently haven’t made contact with him. He was New England’s offensive coordinator in 2011 before becoming the head coach at Penn State and Houston. Most recently, O’Brien was Nick Saban’s offensive coordinator at Alabama.
Perry writes bringing in O’Brien would be a “coup” that would allow other coaches to slot into more appropriate roles.
