New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick watches the field as senior football advisor Matt Patricia (white cap) and offensive assistant Joe Judge work during the first half of a preseason game at Gillette Stadium. Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

Insider offers two possible options to replace Matt Patricia

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated Nov 22, 2022 11:39 PM ET

While Bill Belichick’s decision to hand the Patriots’ play-calling duties to Matt Patricia has gloriously blown up in his face, MMQB’s Albert Breer believes New England has two potential replacements should it choose to go that route.

During a recent appearance on NBC Sports Boston, Breer suggested that the Patriots could consider tight ends coach Nick Caley or Alabama offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien if they’re thinking of handing the play-calling reins to someone else.

"Would [O’Brien] be available after his second year (at Alabama)?" Breer questioned. “Would he want to move closer to home? He's been separated from his family for the past couple of years. They stayed in Houston when he took that Alabama job, and obviously, he has a lot of background here."

"I think [Bill O'Brien returning to the Patriots next season] could be in play here, absolutely."

-@AlbertBreer

@ZoandBertrand pic.twitter.com/Co6Lr0bq5T
— NBC Sports Boston's Patriots Coverage (@NBCSPatriots) November 17, 2022

In O’Brien’s first year calling plays, the Patriots rank 25th in total offense (317.6 yards per game), 24th in passing offense (202.2 yards per game), 17th in rushing offense (115.4 yards per game), and 20th in scoring (21.3 points per game). Quarterback Mac Jones, who has just four touchdowns and seven interceptions, has also seemingly regressed.

Caley was in the running to replace former offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels during the offseason, but Belichick ultimately passed in favor of a Patricia/Joe Judge run offense. New England did block Caley from being interviewed over the summer for other jobs, signaling the team could potentially consider promoting him at the end of the season.

"I think the question would be whether you can put the rabbit back in the hat on that one," Breer said of Caley. "(The Patriots) passed him over for the job a year ago and because they weren't as clear with him about his role, he didn't take an extension. And there's been at least perception out there that he's going to be out of Foxboro the minute this season ends. He's another guy who would be qualified for the job. The question is whether there's too much water under the bridge there."

Michael Gallagher

Michael Gallagher is a longtime sports journalist based out of Nashville with a decade of experience covering college football, mixed martial arts and prep sports plus the NFL and NHL — specifically the Tennessee Titans and Nashville Predators. He’s covered several notable sporting events including an AFC Championship game, a Stanley Cup Final, an NHL All-Star Game and an NHL Stadium Series. Some of his past bylines can be found at the Nashville Scene, SB Nation, The Hockey News and Fox Sports Knoxville

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