The Patriots have hired former Penn State, Houston Texans and Alabama assistant Will Lawing to the coaching staff. Lawing has been a trusted Bill O’Brien assistant for the past ten years.

It is expected that Lawing will coach the tight ends. Lawing will would be replacing Nick Caley who ironically enough interviewed for the Houston Texans offensive coordinator opening yesterday.

The 37 year old Lawing got his start at Juniata College where he served as a tight ends coach, pass game coordinator and offensive coordinator. He then went to Penn State as a graduate assistant under O’Brien before following him to Houston where he served as a defensive quality control coach and offensive assistant. Lawing eventually coached the tight ends before following O’Brien to Alabama as an offensive analyst.

Lawing is considered by many to be a rising star in the profession and a future offensive coordinator. The opportunity to come to New England with O’Brien and work for Bill Belichick will enhance Lawing coaching profile.

As tight ends coach, Lawing will have to find way to get Hunter Henry back on track and to jumpstart Jonnu Smith. The Patriots have a lot of money invested in both players and need them to produce.

Lawing will also work closely with the new offensive line coach when the Patriots fill that vacancy. The Patriots have yet to name a replacement for Matt Patricia.

It is unclear if there will be more new faces joint the staff this off-season but given last season’s abysmal performance on offense, it wouldn’t be a surprise.