Departures From Coaching Staff Make Serious Impact On Patriots
In the last few days, there has been much uncertainty about the immediate future of some Patriots coaches. It has been confirmed that offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels will accept the head coaching position for the Denver Broncos. This sudden departure means that a search for his replacement will begin, and that person will have to quickly adjust to the unstable Patriots offense during the offseason. With no clear indication of who the quarterback will be for the opening of the 2009 regular season, a variety of offensive plans and schemes will be created. There would likely have to be separate plans or at least specific strategies for the Patriots offense, one including Tom Brady playing the entire season and another that continues to work with Cassel. The leading candidates for Josh McDaniels position are tight ends coach Pete Mangurian and wide receivers coach Bill O'Brien. Mangurian has been the tight ends coach for four seasons, and has held various offensive coaching positions for the Broncos and Falcons. Bill O'Brien holds less experience, being the wide receivers coach for just this past season, and being an offensive assistant two seasons ago. The Patriots organization has not made any statements concerning the vacancy for McDaniel's position and there is no clear cut favorite. When former offensive coordinator Eric Mangini left the Patriots organization and Josh McDaniels filled the role, Bill Belichick assumed much of the responsibilities, including having a heavy input when it came to play calling and game strategies. It seems Belichick wanted to break in the new coordinator without putting too much pressure on him, and Belichick will likely do the same with whomever emerges as the candidate for the job.
Scott Pioli, the former vice president of Patriots player personnel, has left his position to become the general manager of the Kansas City Chiefs. Pioli was instrumental in evaluating talent, organizing and leading the process of acquiring draft picks, and finding the right players for the Patriots. He had a successful run as vice president while being very involved in the process of acquiring new players to fill weaknesses within the team. Whether it was by trade or draft picks, Pioli was able to bring quality players to the Patriots. Nick Caserio, the current director of player personnel is assumed to be the replacement. However, Caserio has drawn interest from a few teams such as the Cleveland Browns. With Caserio being thought of very highly by other organizations, the best offer and the best situation for him may not be with the Patriots. All of this movement within the organization should set up an interesting offseason for a Patriots franchise that wants to quickly build upon its recent developments.
By Chad Fukuoka
ProFootball-fans.com New England Patriots Correspondent