The Patriots’ coaching staff probably won’t include Matt Patricia next season.
On WEEI’s “Jones & Mego,” NBC Sports Boston’s Tom Curran provided an update on Patricia’s standing in the organization. He interviewed this week for the Broncos’ defensive coordinator position before it was offered to Vance Joseph.
Tom Curran gives the low-down on Matt Patricia
“I think he is, at this juncture, from what I’ve gathered, kind of untethered. He’s not with the Patriots,” said Curran. “Robert Kraft, not on the record, but certainly characterized a level of respect for Patricia and Joe Judge as coaches and guys. So I don’t think they’re persona non grata. But I don’t know if they have an exact role for him. I think he would be a little bit radioactive if he had any involvement with the offense at all. The defense seems kind of set. Does he come back in an Ernie Adams role? I think he’s exploring his options.”
From the start of the offseason, it was apparent that Patricia’s role on the team would be greatly diminished, if he returned at all. The Patriots announced they were undergoing contract negotiations with Jerod Mayo for an expanded role, and starting an offensive coordinator search. They hired Bill O’Brien as offensive coordinator last month.
Adrian Klemm, who coached at Oregon last season, has also been brought in as an offensive assistant.
Notably, Patricia didn’t travel with the Patriots to the Shrine Bowl. Judge was named a supervisor, along with Belichick, Mayo and O’Brien.
Since Judge is still under contract with the Giants, the Patriots can employ him at a cheap rate. They were using the same setup with Patricia, but his contract with the Lions has expired.
That’s probably a big reason for his uncertain status.
Curren says Patricia’s surprise interview with the Broncos may have been Sean Payton doing Belichick a solid.
“Got him in for an interview, keeps his name in circulation. It could’ve been that,” said Curran. “It could’ve been concrete.”
If Patricia wants to keep coaching, he’ll likely find a spot somewhere on an NFL staff. But it doesn't look like it will be here.