Bedard: Patriots' interesting offseason continues as Greg Schiano resigns ... from something

If last year was the Patriots' Offseason of Discontent — which ended in a Super Bowl title, by the way — what exactly would this year be? The Overboard Offseason?

Because I think it's fair to say we've never quite seen turnover like this at One Patriot Place. Things may have come to an end — hopefully — when Greg Schiano announced his departure from his "position" on Thursday.

“I have informed Mr. Kraft and Coach Belichick that I am stepping down from my position at the Patriots," Schiano said in a statement released by the team. "This is not the result of any one event, but rather a realization that I need to spend more time on my faith and family. I don’t want to look back years from now and wish I had done things differently. Therefore, I am taking time away from the game to recalibrate my priorities."

Schiano never officially had a position with the Patriots. It was believed he was going to succeed Brian Flores as the defensive play caller.

"I respect Coach Schiano greatly and appreciate his contributions to our staff and team," Belichick said in a statement. "He is a friend who we support completely."

Schiano's departure is just the latest for the defending Super Bowl champions. So far, here are the departures and official arrivals:

LEFT THE ORGANIZATION

Coaches

Brian Flores, De-facto defensive coordinator
Greg Schiano, replacement de-facto DC
Josh Boyer, cornerbacks coach
Brendan Daly, defensive line coach
Chad O'Shea, receivers coach
Jerry Schuplinski, assistants QBs coach
Jack Easterby, character coach

Players

Rob Gronkowski, tight end
Trent Brown, left tackle
Trey Flowers, end
Cordarrelle Patterson, receiver
Eric Rowe, cornerback
Malcom Brown, nose tackle
LaAdrian Waddle, swing OT
Dwayne Allen, TE
Adrian Clayborn, DE

Unsigned free agents

Chris Hogan, WR
Danny Shelton, NT
Stephen Gostkowski, K
Albert McClellan, LB
Ramon Humber LB

OFFICIAL ARRIVALS

Jerod Mayo, defensive assistant

Michael Bennett, DE
Mike Pennel, NT
Bruce Ellington, WR
Mike LaCosse, TE
Maurice Harris, WR

BSJ ANALYSIS

So, what now? And does all this changeover mean anything?

The longer this goes on and barring a return from, say, Eric Mangini (right now would be a great time to bury the hatchet), it's fairly obvious that Belichick will have a leading role in the defense — which many players said he did last season. Still, you need someone to keep the trains on time and that could end up being Steve Belichick at this rate. Of course, Bret Bielema has the most experience of anyone associated with that side of the ball.

As for does this mass exodus say anything? Look, everybody knows this ride is not going to go on forever. I think there's a lot of people who are taking the approach that one year early is better than one year too late.

Belichick is still there on the defensive side. Josh McDaniels and Tom Brady are on the offensive side.

I'm not worried about the coaches. I'm worried about the outgoing/incoming talent level much more.