The New England Patriots took a huge leap forward in year two of the post-Tom Brady era. After finishing with a 7-9 record and missing the playoffs for the first time since 2008 in year one without Tommy, Bill Belichick’s crew bounced back to finish with a 10-7 record in 2021, which was good enough for a wild card spot.
With Offensive Rookie of the Year runner-up Mac Jones now entering his second season, many expect the Patriots’ offense to take a big step forward in 2022. But that could be tough based on the current condition of their coaching staff.
Since losing former offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels to the Las Vegas Raiders earlier this year, the Pats have failed to find a replacement. It’s unusual for any NFL team to go this deep into their offseason program with a vacancy at such an important role within their coaching staff. And based on recent reports, their lack of an OC has some Patriots players “alarmed.”
If this was any other team, you’d have to think not having an offensive coordinator heading into June would be an ever greater concern. But this is Bill Belichick and the Patriots we’re talking about. If there’s anyone who can handle not having an OC around, it’s the hooded genius.
In fact, it wasn’t long ago that the Patriots’ head coach hinted at the possibility of the team rolling without an offensive coordinator in 2022. Back during the annual league meetings in March, Belichick referred to his coaching staff as “complete,” while adding, “I don’t think we necessarily have to hire anybody else.”
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It will be interested to see if Belichick sticks to this approach, now that he knows his players are starting to become concerned with the state of the team’s offensive coaching staff.
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