Pats announce coaching staff
The Patriots retained most of their coaching staff from a year ago, but they’ll have a whole new look on the sideline this season.
Three coaches have been assigned to new position groups, beginning with Steve Belichick, who has moved from coaching safeties to outside linebackers. Belichick, the primary defensive play-caller last season, replaces DeMarcus Covington, who will now lead the defensive line. Former Patriots wideout and current assistant Troy Brown will coach the team’s returners and assist with the running backs.
Up front, offensive assistants Carmen Bricillo and Cole Popovich have replaced legendary offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia. Together, they’ll manage a veteran starting group led by offensive guards Joe Thuney and Shaq Mason, plus returned starting center David Andrews. Behind the line, Pats quarterbacks will receive hands-on coaching from veteran Jedd Fisch, who has molded quarterbacks for several years at the pro and college level.
Former assistant quarterbacks coach Mick Lomardi is transitioning to coach the team’s wide receivers.
Defensively, longtime coaching assistant Brian Belichick will follow his brother Steve and enter the position coaching ranks as the Patriots’ new safeties coach. Former special teams assistant Cam Achord has been promoted to lead special teams coach, replacing Joe Judge, who enters his first year as the Giants’ head man.
The Pats’ new coaching assistants are Tyler Hughes (offense), Vinnie Sunseri (defense) and Joe Houston (special teams). All three have experience coaching in the college ranks, while Sunseri had a brief stay in New England as a player.
The Patriots did not name a defensive coordinator for the third straight season. Their complete 2020 staff:
Head coach: Bill Belichick Offensive coordinator: Josh McDaniels
Quarterbacks: Jedd Fisch Running backs: Ivan Fears (Troy Brown)
Wide receivers: Mick Lombardi Tight ends: Nick Caley Offensive line: Carmen Bricillo and Cole Popovich
Defensive line: DeMarcus Covington
Inside linebackers: Jerod Mayo Outside linebackers: Steve Belichick
Cornerbacks: Mike Pellegrino Safeties: Brian Belichick
Special teams: Cam Achord Returners: Troy Brown