FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Bill Belichick has always been heavily involved with the New England Patriots defense in his 19 years as head coach. That could reach an even higher level in 2019.
Greg Schiano's stunning resignation from the Patriots' coaching staff Thursday leaves a gaping hole to fill, and Belichick himself appears to be the leading candidate to do so.
Belichick was prepared for what was already going to be a year of significant transition on the defensive coaching staff, as three assistants departed this offseason: play-caller Brian Flores became Miami Dolphins head coach; defensive line coach Brendan Daly was named Kansas City Chiefs run-game coordinator; and cornerbacks coach Josh Boyer moved on to become the Dolphins' pass-defense coordinator.