Patriots DC Matt Patricia interviewing with Chargers, Rams
New England Patriots defensive coordinator has been viewed as a head-coach-in-waiting. Now, he will get his chance to interview for a head job.
Matt Patricia of the New England Patriots is a well-sought-after man as the league begins it annual year-end coaching shuffle. With jobs open in Los Angeles and San Diego, Patricia will interview while the Pats await their opponent in the Divisional round of the playoffs. Adam Schefter of ESPN reported the interviews will take place today.
Adam Schefter of ESPN reported the interviews will take place today with the Rams and Chargers.
Also a busy day today for Patriots' DC Matt Patricia, who is interviewing for HC jobs with the Chargers and Rams.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 7, 2017
Patricia joined the Patriots in 2004 as an offensive assistant. Prior to jumping to the pro ranks, he had coached at his alma mater, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where he majored in aeronautical engineering. Patricia coached the offensive line in 2005 before switching to linebackers in 2006. He then became the safeties coach in 2011 before finally ascending to the coordinator position in 2012. Count on the Patriots to take a literal rocket scientist, move him all over the place, and mold him into one of the most creative defensive minds in the league.
The Patriots previously gave Patricia permission to interview for the Cleveland job last January, but he passed up that “opportunity.” Expect him to be careful in deciding the right time to strike out for a head coaching job, as some coaches only get one shot at a head gig.
Both the Rams and the Chargers franchises are in flux. The Rams just moved across the country, have a pitiful offense, and got egg on their face in a big way after extending Jeff Fisher and then firing him only a few weeks later. The Chargers may also be moving to Los Angeles to join the Rams.
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Patricia’s name will continue to be connected to every major opening around the league until he ultimately settles on a job. He has built an outstanding reputation for himself with the Patriots and is deserving of a chance to lead a team on his own. Having never led a team, however, Patricia may want to wait until a more settled franchise comes calling.