The Patriots officially announced Tuesday that former special teams coordinator and Giants head coach Joe Judge would be returning to the team as an "offensive assistant." That, of course, sent shockwaves around the Patriots fandom, and sent the media into overdrive.
Judge, on offense?!
What about Mac Jones?!
Did you see him with the Giants?!
I understand the comments, but I would just slow down with the overreaction ... at this point. In many ways, Bill Belichick has just started his process for 2022, and some key doors haven't closed yet.
Let's break it down:
- First of all, Belichick was likely taking some time off last week — he was not sighted at the Senior Bowl — and just started his process on Monday. By Tuesday, he had Judge back into the fold. There was definite interest from the Raiders with Judge in a special teams role, but Judge was keen on getting more offensive experience to boost his career prospects. That likely wasn't an option in Vegas.
- I didn't make much of Nick Saban's comments last week about him believing that Bill O'Brien did not seem inclined to leave — because I didn't think Belichick had even broached the subject yet. Make no mistake, O'Brien would be interested in coming back, and Belichick may broach the subject with Saban at some point. That door is not closed yet. That would be the ideal situation for everyone. Judge gives them coverage in case O'Brien decides to stay.
- Anyone saying that jumping from a college OC job to NFL head coach is possible ... name one person who did that. He may get interviews, but no one is taking O'Brien seriously unless he's a college head coach, or pro coordinator. O'Brien needs to get back to the pro game. And it would be a surprise if just one year would be enough for O'Brien to land a top job. People said that about Josh McDaniels too and he was in New England for 10 years.
- If O'Brien doesn't happen, tight ends coach Nick Caley would be the top internal candidate, but no one has ascended to offensive coordinator with the Patriots without being QB coach previously. That's why Judge being back in an offensive role helps a Caley. Judge, a former quarterback, can assist the process and coach tight ends, if need be. I think everything is still very much in flux and the Patriots are not a finished product yet. The Patriots don't compete with other teams for coaches — they train them internally — so they are not in the rush others are.
- Having Judge as an experienced hand on offense allows Belichick to oversee the defense and special teams, and Matt Patricia to oversee personnel, where they also will likely have to promote from within with Eliot Wolf.
- Say what you want about the terms of Judge and Patricia as head coaches, but both are good football coaches and trusted by Belichick. The experience they gained as head coaches will also help them in their new roles and to take some of the load off Belichick. Most fans and media might not like it, but it's not a bad situation for the Patriots ...
- ... as long as they do right by Mac Jones. QB coach Bo Hardegree left with McDaniels so Jones is looking at a new tutor and playcaller, and we don't know who they will be. Again, Judge helps here and Belichick is not done. Plus, Jones is very smart and got the equivalent of three years experience with McDaniels and playing as a rookie. He is WAY ahead of any other Patriots QB after his rookie season, even Tom Brady. I wouldn't worry all that much about Jones. He is not going to regress, not with Belichick around. He'll also take more of an interest in the QB if need be. He's done it before. And remember this from Seth Wickersham's book:
