Bill Belichick will tell you that every offseason presents unique challenges. This offseason, the challenge is obvious. Belichick is going to have to figure out what to do with the lack of experience within his coaching and front-office ranks.
Las Vegas Raiders coach Josh McDaniels and GM Dave Ziegler are the latest high-ranking Patriots staffers to leave. Running backs coach Ivan Fears, a cornerstone in the locker room and a player-favorite, is expected to retire. Linebackers coach Jerod Mayo is also taking interviews around the NFL for coaching positions.
That all follows the recent departures of front-office executives Nick Caserio (Houston’s GM), Ernie Adams (retired), Monti Ossenfort (Titans director of players personnel) and position and coordinators like Dante Scarnecchia (retired), Brian Flores (former Dolphins head coach), Joe Judge (former Giants head coach), Jerry Schuplinski (Giants QBs coach), Chad O’Shea (Browns passing-game coordinator) and Patrick Graham (Giants DC), among others. The level of brain drain is staggering for Belichick, who can’t seem to develop smart staffers without immediately losing them.
