3 places Matt Patricia could coach in 2021
By John Buhler
Defensive Coach. (Bill Belichick). 2. 47. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. New England Patriots
Who says you can’t go. . . home?
In what would be the least surprising option of the all, Patricia could so go back to New England and be part of Belichick’s defensive staff in some way, shape of form. Though he may not get his previous role of defensive coordinator, Belichick will have a use for him and his trusty No. 2 pencil back in Foxborough. Patricia would fit right in, as he spent 14 seasons as part of the Evil Empire.
Who knows how long Belichick will be the head coach of the Patriots? Then again, his son Stephen Belichick is the outside linebackers coach and co-defensive coordinator. With Tom Brady no longer the star quarterback in New England, Belichick could use his former disciple to help ensure his team is outstanding on the defensive side of the ball before they procure a long-term quarterback.
The downside to going back to New England is it may not afford an opportunity for Patricia to grow as a coach. At a place like Alabama, Saban will hold him accountable in a way he probably never has been before. While Patricia could have his reputation rehabilitated in Foxborough, it may not have the long-term positive effect of, you know, the not-so-occasional Saban ass chewing.
This is the least sexy potential landing spot for Patricia in 2021, but is one we can all see coming from a mile away. Belichick would surely welcome him back as he did with another failed head coach in offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. However, it remains to be seen if Patricia wants to go back to a familiar place and risk falling back into the same bad habits that led to his undoing.