FOXBOROUGH – After serving as a bit of do-it-all contributor on the BC staff last season, Doug Marrone made the short move to Foxborough in the offseason.
Mike Vrabel’s new offensive line coach Doug Marrone is back in the NFL and while meeting with reporters before the final OTA on Monday, he was asked how he’s enjoyed being back at this level.
Remember, taking this role wasn’t for the faint of heart. Being the guy in charge with fixing the mess in the room is no easy task.
“It’s exciting.” he said. “Whatever you do, no matter what, I think as coaches we look at things…everything’s a different challenge for you. That’s what’s good. If it was the same old stuff all the time, I don’t think you can be the best at what you do. So, you want a little edge to yourself. You want to be able to go work with young players, older players, college players…for me, it doesn’t really make a difference.
“I have one goal. That’s to get everyone better. Give them everything I’ve learned or seen over the years. Try to teach them, try to get them to understand it. Those are the things that I really look forward to each and every day. That’s what we have to have.”
Marrone has also gotten the chance to work with Jack Conley, who he helped coach last year over in Chestnut Hill. Conley was repping quite a bit with the second team during Monday’s practice and at his size and versatility, seemingly has a good chance to make the team whether it’s the practice squad or ‘real’ roster.
“Jack’s done a nice job, really,” he added. He’s got position flex. I know that he played tackle before I was at BC, so I didn’t have any experience with him there. He’s played some out here. He’s played inside. Everywhere we’ve put him, he’s done a nice job.”
If the Patriots’ offensive line is going to be better than it has the last handful of seasons, Marrone will be a big reason why. He appears to be relishing this new opportunity and that’s good news for everyone inside the building and for all of the fans desperately hoping for brighter days in Foxborough.