A few quick updates, and then I'll expand on what I've learned:
- Ownership met with Bill Belichick, I believe it was last night, and given that there was no dramatic movement today, you can surmise it was at least productive;
- If things went in another direction, all options were on the table as far as Belichick's future;
- Belichick went in with the right attitude, ready to hear out recommendations and was amenable to them. As we reported weeks ago, Belichick had realized the errors he made with the offense and was open to making changes;
- No one expects any firings. It feels like Belichick will move in different direction with offensive leadership, but what he actually does ... everyone is in wait-and-see mode.
- It's expected that things will be reorganized on offense. Who and what ... that may take some time for Belichick to sort out. He's still assessing his staff and will look for opportunities to upgrade.
BSJ ANALYSIS
I'm sure for a lot of people, this lack of instant satisfaction will be a little disappointing, but it's fairly par for the course with Belichick.
As far as my interpretation of what I think is going on...
I do think this is going to take some time. Belichick has to process the input from ownership, and set his course. This is not ideal, but it's his way.
I think Matt Patricia is out as offensive coordinator/playcaller when all is said and done. I think Patricia and Joe Judge ultimately are reassigned within the staff/front office, but no one knows what that looks like. I don't know anything about Cam Achord's fate but sources stressed that firings are not imminent. Is that permanent, or just for now?
If you're a Patriots fan, I think this is so-so news.
Belichick realizes the issues (not a surprise if you read here), but just how proactive is he going to be at restocking his offensive coaching staff? The sense I get is ... not very. He could just be thinking ... I'll talk to a bunch of people, including when the Patriots coach The Shrine Bowl in Vegas, and see what pops up and makes any sense.
Could he just turn to Nick Caley? Maybe, if that TEs coach is amenable.
Do I think he's rushing out to bring in Bill O'Brien? No, but that doesn't mean it couldn't happen. Could Belichick's process lead O'Brien to take another gig? Yes.
Could Belichick just bring in someone else, like Kliff Kingsbury, to be a consultant on the pass game side while someone else runs the show? Yes.
Everyone, including ownership, is just waiting to see exactly what Belichick's plan is when he completes it.