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Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels is going to be named the next head coach of the Indianapolis Colts at the conclusion of the Patriots season. The Patriots are expected to lose both McDaniels and defensive coordinator Matt Patricia who is expected to take the Detroit Lions job.
On defense, the expectation is linebackers coach Brian Flores will replace Patricia as defensive coordinator but who replaces McDaniels on the offensive side of the ball? Here are five names to watch for as Bill Belichick searches for his replacement.
1. Chad O’Shea, Wide Receiver Coach, Patriots: The 45 year old O’Shea has been with the Patriots since 2009. O’Shea previously coached with the Chiefs and Vikings so he has NFL experience. He has served in various roles throughout his career but has strictly coached receivers in New England. O’Shea has never coordinated before but he did call plays in the pre-season finale against the Giants this season. O’Shea has the resume and experience to take over the offensive play calling if Belichick decides to go in that direction.
2. Jerry Schuplinski, Asst Quarterbacks Coach, Patriots: Schuplinski is a rising star on the Patriots coaching staff. He is smart, articulate and knows the offense. Experience is the only draw back with him at this point. He has been with the Patriots since 2013 but just started working with the quarterbacks last season. Schuplinski’s previous experience is at the Division 3 college level. While he might have a bright future in the NFL, it is painfully obvious that Schuplinski is not ready to make the jump to offensive coordinator. He will more than likely replace McDaniels as quarterback coach.
3. Charlie Weis, Former Offensive Coordinator: Weis is living in the area again and doing television. He has been spotted at the team’s facilities in recent weeks. If Belichick isn’t ready to turn the reigns of the offense over to one of the offensive assistants on staff, he could bring Weis back as either offensive coordinator or assistant head coach in charge of offense. That would allow Weis to take on more of an overseer role. Tom Brady respects Weis and credits him with his development. A Weis, Patriots reunion makes sense.
4. George Godsey, Former Patriots Assistant: Godsey served as an offensive assistant and tight ends coach for the Patriots between 2011-2013. He left the Patriots to go to the Houston Texans when Bill O’Brien got the job in 2014. Godsey served as the Texans quarterbacks coach in 2014 and was the offensive coordinator in 2015 and 2016 before he was fired by O’Brien. Godsey was a special projects assistant for the Lions this past season. Godsey is a long shot with the Patriots but could join Matt Patricia’s staff in Detroit.
5. Nick Caserio, Patriots Director of Player Personnel: Caserio would also be considered a long shot but he does have coaching experience with the Patriots. He was an offensive assistant between 2003 and 2006 and served as the Patriots receivers coach in 2007. He has occasionally been known to sneak on the field in training camp and help out with the receivers. Caserio is a coach at heart but his future is in the front office. I would be surprised if he left his current role for an on field role.
I don’t envision the Patriots elevating veteran coaches such as Dante Scarnecchia or Ivan Fears to the position. Belichick doesn’t like going outside of his circle but if he had to hire an outsider, he would hire someone that he knows, has coached against and respects. It feels like 2004 all over again when Weis and Romeo Crennel left after the Super Bowl. It will be interesting to see how Belichick handles it.