Some thoughts on what's going on with the Patriots and other moves around the league:
- What's the holdup at One Patriot Place?
First of all, it's complete radio silence from both sides to the outside world on this at the moment. What does that mean? According to multiple sources, it's either the Krafts are really entertaining any Belichick plan to return, or they're just doing the respectful thing, after 24 years and six Super Bowl titles, and hearing out Belichick over multiple days before reaching a firm decision. And if there is a divorce, there's going to be a lot to negotiate, and that takes time.
- I think this is just Robert Kraft being measured in his approach, at least appearing to be open-minded and showing Belichick all the respect he deserves.
- As opposed to previous years, there's no need to rush after the NFL has changed the tampering rules to slow down the hiring process. The earliest a team could hire anyone, even a preferred internal candidate like Jerod Mayo, would be Jan. 22 - the first day in-person interviews are allowed. And you have to do two with outside minority candidates to satisfy the Rooney Rule. Any "interviews" you hear about this week can only be done virtually.
- Most think there will be a resolution by the end of the week. No, I'm still not ruling out a return for Belichick with major changes to the football structure.
- What does Tom Brady have to do with the Patriots' possible head coaching search?
Two league sources feel that he will have a say in who is the next Raiders coach. Brady was spotted at practice recently and is preparing for his part-ownership of the Raiders to go through at some point. Would Brady sign off on Antonio Pierce getting the full-time role, or would he prefer buddy Mike Vrabel or, perhaps, Jim Harbaugh? The two sources expect the Raiders to be in play for Vrabel.
- If Belichick has pitched Josh McDaniels' return as offensive coordinator as part of his revamp, as we discussed on Sunday, it's one of several options that the former Raiders coach will have, so the Patriots will have company.
- Belichick sent the coaches home for a "postseason break." Several staffers have expressed to Giardi that there is a great deal of uncertainty in the air, not knowing whether they're going to get one last crack at fixing this, or if they should be packing up boxes and looking for employment elsewhere. There are a number of coaches that are also in limbo because this is the last year of their contract. Will they be retained here by Belichick? The next coach? Will they follow Belichick to his next spot?