Report: Bill Belichick could take on unexpected role with Patriots

The New England Patriots have a major void to fill on their coaching staff after Josh McDaniels was hired as the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders. Bill Belichick needs to find a new play-caller, and he may have a surprising choice for the job — himself.

There has been talk in recent weeks about Belichick taking on more responsibility with the offense next season. The longtime coach has not announced an official replacement for McDaniels, and ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano reported on Sunday that it could stay that way.

“The intrigue deepens on the New England Patriots’ approach to offense without a true play-caller,” Graziano and Fowler wrote. “There’s sort of an open belief leaguewide that coach Bill Belichick could call the plays or, at the very least, have more involvement in the offense. He’s involved in everything, to be sure, but he could really dig in here.”

The Patriots have to replace several offensive assistants. McDaniels took receivers coach Mick Lombardi, offensive assistant Bo Hardegree and offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo with him to Las Vegas.

Belichick is known as one of the greatest defensive minds of all time. We wouldn’t doubt that he can handle a bigger role with the offense, but that doesn’t seem ideal for the Patriots. They will likely be at their best if Belichick can devote most of his time to the defense.