Greg Schiano steps down as Patriots defensive coordinator

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Greg Schiano has stepped down from the Patriots coaching staff, the team announced on Thursday.

Schiano released a statement on his decision:

"I have informed Mr. Kraft and Coach Belichick that I am stepping down from my position at the Patriots. This is not the result of any one event, but rather a realization that I need to spend more time on my faith and family. I don’t want to look back years from now and wish I had done things differently. Therefore, I am taking time away from the game to recalibrate my priorities."

Patriots head coach Bill Belichick also released a statement:

"I respect Coach Schiano greatly and appreciate his contributions to our staff and team. He is a friend who we support completely."

Schiano was brought in by the Patriots in early February as the replacement for now-Dolphins head coach Brian Flores, though the hiring hadn't been officially announced.

Interestingly, Belichick appeared Thursday night on a pre-recorded episode of Sirius XM's Basketball & Beyond with Coach K , and he discussed the addition of Schiano to the coaching staff.

"We've added Coach Schiano to our defensive staff," Belichick said on the show. "He's a very experienced and outstanding fundamental coach, good teacher, and has a lot of experience in both the college and the pro game. He coached a lot of our players. We have quite a few guys from Rutgers and I think he could be a great addition too."

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