Patriots Co-Offensive Line Cole Popovich will not coach in 2021. Co-Offensive Line Coach Carmen Bricillo will assume full time coaching duties for the season.

Popovich is sitting out the season due to the NFL’s vaccination mandate. Popovich was spotted wearing a mask during June’s mandatory OTA’s so it is safe to assume that he is not vaccinated.

With Popovich sitting out the season, it does stretch the Patriots coaching staff thin. Bricillo is more than capable of coaching the line himself but could also collaborate more with tight end coach Nick Caley. The off-field coaching assistants could take a more active role as well.

The NFL’s announcement yesterday that all personnel, coaches and players were encouraged to be vaccinated or it could have ramifications for their organization sent shockwaves throughout the sports world. Some players have already come out and voiced their displeasure, most notably DeAndre Hopkins and Jalen Ramsey.

Earlier in the day, the Minnesota Vikings announced that veteran offensive line coach Rick Dennison would not be coaching this season due to philosophical differences regarding the Covid mandate.

The Patriots open training camp next week so there is a good chance that this isn’t the last time we’ll hear about the Covid mandate and team personnel.

Photo courtesy of David Silverman