Bill Belichick, Patriots thinking outside-the-box on staff structure

The New England Patriots could potentially be making some unusual moves according to a recent report from a NFL insider.

On Tuesday, Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network tweeted the Patriots are working through some things regarding their open offensive coordinator job, even as recent reports have emerged linking mutual interest between the organization and Alabama offensive coordintor Bill O’Brien.

Here’s where the story takes an unusual turn.

Rapoport tweeted the New England Patriots are considering not hiring an offensive coordinator at all for the 2022 season, but will instead add former New York Giants head coach Joe Judge as an unspecified offensive assistant instead.

“The addition of Joe Judge gives them added leadership on offense and allows them to move some responsibilities around,” Rapoport said. “So Judge heads back home.”

What’s happening in New England?

Last week, both Rapoport and ESPN’s Adam Schefter cited credible sources listing O’Brien as the leading candidate to replace former Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, who left to become the Las Vegas Raiders head coach.

“One person to watch (in New England) is a former New England Patriots assistant coach and former Houston Texans head coach Bill O’Brien,” Schefter said Sunday.

At this point, it’s hard to tell if Belichick is tapping into his trickery and throwing everyone off, but regardless, it leaves more questions than answers. Especially as it relates to O’Brien and Alabama.

Judge worked in New England for eight seasons (2012-2019), the last five as special teams coordinator. In 2019, Judge added the title of wide receivers coach, providing the impetus for his return as an offensive assistant.

The New York Giants fired Judge earlier this year after two seasons with a 10-23 record.

A reunion with Belichick and the New England Patriots makes sense, as Judge works to rehab his reputation after two brutal years in New York. His exact role remains to be seen.

What does this mean for Bill O’Brien?

The buzz is palpable around the potential return of Bill O’Brien to New England. The Crimson Tide offensive coordinator and former Patriots coordinator is considered a lead candidate to replace McDaniels in Foxborough.

Rapoport shared the latest on the situation on the Gresh and Keefe Show on Thursday.

“I do believe there’s interest,” Rapoport said, via Ryan Hannable. “I think there’s interest from them and there’s interest from him.”

Rapoport added that if the Patriots are working on hiring O’Brien that it could take a while.

Nick Saban commented on the rumors at his signing day press conference on Wednesday. He said he had no indication that O’Brien wants to leave Tuscaloosa, however, he would have his blessing if he did.

“Guys who work hard and do a good job for you, if they get opportunities to go someplace else, I want to support them and help them if it benefits them and their family,” Saban said.