Report: Joe Judge transitioning to new role with Patriots

Joe Judge Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

Joe Judge to reportedly transition to new role with Patriots

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Steve DelVecchio | Last updated 3/23/23

The New England Patriots had some major coaching staff issues to address after the 2022 season ended and it looked possible they might move on from Matt Patricia and Joe Judge. At least one of the two is sticking around for certain.

Judge held the official titles of offensive assistant and quarterbacks coach last season. The latter duties were taken away when the Patriots brought back Bill O’Brien as offensive coordinator. According to Albert Breer of The MMQB, Judge will shift to assistant head coach next season and will additionally work closely with special teams.

One difference b/w Patricia in '21 and Judge in '23, just to illustrate it—Patricia's name was on player contracts back then, and this year, Matt Groh's name is in that spot. Judge's job will be more in coaching special teams, being a liaison between coaching and scouting, etc.

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 23, 2023

Patricia, for his part, remains with the Patriots and has transitioned to a senior offensive assistant role. There have been reports linking him to other teams, but it appears he might ride it out in New England for at least another year.

Neither Judge, nor Patricia, seemed to mesh with Mac Jones last season. The quarterback was openly frustrated with Patricia during games and also reportedly had issues with Judge behind the scenes. One report after the season claimed Jones and Judge had profanity-laced outbursts toward one another during practices.

Judge was a special teams assistant with the Patriots from 2012-2019. Belichick added wide receivers coach to Judge’s duties in 2019. After he flamed out at 10-23 in two seasons as head coach with the Giants, Belichick decided to bring him back for the 2022-23 season.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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