Patriots coach Bill Belichick confirmed Monday what had been reported for weeks in New England.
Asked about the succession plan for departing offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien, Belichick responded, “It’s Josh.”
That would be Josh McDaniels, who will take over his old role running the Patriots offense. He’s the first coordinator under Belichick to return to the team after leaving.
Belichick said Monday he was proud of his team but sounded like he needed a break of his own.
“Well, the more you put into something, the stronger the feelings are when the event is over. I think we all know that,” Belichick said.
On players possibly retiring: “The day after the game or an hour or two after the game is not the time to make any long-term decisions. I think it’s probably best that all of us – young players, old players, young coaches, old coaches – that we all take a little time to just catch our breath, collect our thoughts and try not to make any life-changing decisions coming off – either way; try to make those big decisions right on the tail end of big emotions in a game like that.”
A conspiracy theorist will see that quote as Belichick leaving the door slightly ajar about his own future. We think it’s just Belichick’s version of being emotional.
Belichick knows this loss will take some time to recover from, and he doesn’t want to say much of anything in the meantime.
