Patriots coach Bill Belichick provides update on Joe Judge's role with the Patriots
The New England Patriots made a notable addition to the offensive coaching staff during the offseason, but that left many questioning what one coach's role would be. Last season, Joe Judge and Matt Patricia ran the offense, but it was clear that the setup did not go as planned. However, this season that will not […]
The New England Patriots made a notable addition to the offensive coaching staff during the offseason, but that left many questioning what one coach's role would be.
Last season, Joe Judge and Matt Patricia ran the offense, but it was clear that the setup did not go as planned.
However, this season that will not be the case with the Patriots hiring Bill O'Brien as the offensive coordinator. With Patricia joining the Eagles' coaching staff, that just leaves Judge's role in question.
Belichick gave his typical type of answer when asked about what Judge's role will be in a news conference before the first open practice of OTAs.
"Yeah, he’ll do whatever I ask him to do. It might change from time to time. He’ll be involved in a lot of things," Belichick said. "Joe’s great, Joe’s great. Smart guy, got a lot of experience. He’ll do whatever we need him to do, and he can do a lot, so he will."
On Wednesday, Judge spent most of the time working with special teams and it appears that will be his main focus heading into the season. And one player is very excited to have Judge coaching him on special teams.
"For me, it's been like riding a bike. I spent so much time with Joe," special teams captain Matthew Slater said. "He's been so instrumental in my career in terms of helping me become the player that I've become. It's been great. It's been a seamless transition. I think for a lot of our guys, even the guys that haven't had experience playing for Joe, he's a passionate coach. He's very detail-oriented. He knows the game, and he's going to be a boost for us."
Yet, Judge's name has been involved in special teams over the last week, but not for good reason. The Patriots were docked two OTAs and Belichick received a fine due to special teams meetings scheduled during Phase 2 of the offseason workout program that meant players would be at the stadium longer than their permitted four-hour window.
Judge was reportedly responsible for those special teams meetings.
The official coaching titles have yet to be announced for the upcoming season and when asked about it Belichick made it clear that the information will come out "soon."
Featured Image via Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
