The Patriots certainly have prioritized familiarity with their offensive coaching staff after longtime offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Josh McDaniels left to take the Raiders’ head coaching job in Las Vegas.
So far, though, Bill Belichick’s moves to replace McDaniels and offensive assistant coaches Carmen Bricillo (offensive line) and Mick Lombardi (wide receivers) haven’t quite looked like what anyone expected.
Instead of old offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien, who has been linked to the job ever since McDaniels’s departure became imminent, the Patriots’ offense could instead be led by the likes of Joe Judge, Matt Patricia, and other remaining assistants, including tight ends coach Nick Caley.