The New England Patriots have had many offensive and defensive coordinators throughout their history.
Of course, some of the best have come during Bill Belichick’s tenure as head coach. Some though, pre-date the BB-era and may surprise you. Many coaches have gone on to head coaching career’s after leaving New England.
The following list of the greatest Patriots coordinatorss takes some post-New England success into account, but mainly focuses on their tenure here. Many names will come from the Belichick era. In the comments, let me know where I went wrong and who you think the top 10 should be.
10. Dean Pees, Defensive Coordinator, 2006-2009
Dean Pees was not loved in New England. However, he was the coordinator for four years where the Patriots went 49-15, including the undefeated 2007 season. Of course, the offense and Tom Brady carried those teams most of the way. It’s impossible though to go 16-0 without at least a competent defense. Pees traveled quite a bit through the college ranks at Findlay, Miami (OH), Navy, Toledo, Notre Dame, Michigan State and Kent State before joining New England’s staff. Since his Patriot departure, Pees has been with the Baltimore Ravens. He has been their defensive coordinator since 2012.
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9. Eric Mangini, Defensive Coordinator, 2005
New England Patriots fans despise Eric Mangini like no other. He began the entire SpyGate dilemma and has not been welcome since. He served as defensive coordinator in New England for a lone season in which the Pats went 10-6. In that season, the Hartford, CT native led the Patriots to the 4th ranking in total yards allowed.
8. Al Groh, Defensive Coordinator, 1993-1996
The third straight defensive coordiantor on this list, Al Groh was part of Bill Parcell’s staff for all of his years in New England. In five seasons, the Patriots made the playoffs twice, once losing in the Super Bowl. Groh’s coaching career spanned 45 years from 1967 to 2012. He served as the head coach for Wake Forest, the New York Jets, and Virginia. In his last season coaching, 2012, Groh was the DC for Georgia Tech. His coaching tree includes Ken Wisenhunt and Todd Bowles.
7. Jim Mora, Offensive Coordinator, 1982
Many remember Jim Mora for his “PLAYOFFS!?” outburst as the head coach for the Indianapolis Colts. 1982 was Mora’s first crack at the NFL. The Patriots boasted the 2nd best rushing attack that year. Mora then became the head coach for the New Orleans Saints for 11 seasons, and the Colts for 4. His coaching tree includes his son Jim, Dom Capers, and current Cardinals coach Bruce Arians.
6. Ray Perkins, Offensive Coordinator, 1993-1996
Ray Perkins was another staple on the Parcells staff. The former Alabama and Ravens wide receiver was crucial to the team’s Super Bowl run in 1996. Perkins helped in the development of a young Drew Bledsoe, molding him into a top tier QB in the league. Through his coaching career a number of coaches worked under Perkins, including Parcells. Bill Belichick and Romeo Crennel also worked under Perkins.
5. Bill O’Brien, Offensive Coordinator, 2011
Bill O’Brien was the offensive for just one season as the Patriots made a Super Bowl run. Bill, Brady and Belichick led the league’s top offense. He was also on the staff for the record setting 2007 season. O’Brien then became the head coach for Penn State, before securing the same job for the Houston Texans.
4. Charlie Weis, Offensive Coordinator, 2000-2004
Charlie Weis helped lead Tom Brady and the Patriots to three Super Bowl wins in four seasons. Bill Belichick brought Weis over to the New England staff from the NY Jets, and found almost immediate success. The Patriots consistently ranked in the top 12 in points scored under Weis. He also coached the Kansas Jayhawks for one season in 2010.
3. Matt Patricia, Defensive Coordinator, 2012-Present
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Current defensive coordinator Matt Patricia has aimed to remold the Patriots as a defensive team. He’s found success, and will be a head coach candidate again this offseason. The aeronautical engineer has never finished below 4th in points allowed while in New England. He joined Belichick’s staff in 2004 as an offensive assistant. In 2006, Patricia swapped over to defense to lead the linebackers. He then became the safeties coach before assuming DC duties.
2. Romeo Crennel, Defensive Coordinator, 2001-2004
It is no question that defense won the Patriots their first three titles. Romeo Crennel was just as responsible for the strong D as Bill Belichick. Crennel, 69, continues coaching to this day as the Texans DC. He began his career in 1970 as a graduate assistant at Western Kentucky. His head coaching stints in Cleveland and Kansas City fell flat, but Crennel is still one of the most respected defensive minds in the game.
1. Josh McDaniels, Offensive Coordinator, 2006-2008 & 2012-Present
Josh McDaniels is involved in almost every offseason coaching discussion. Teams would love to hire him, but now it seems he’s here to stay in New England. McDaniels has voiced that he would love to follow Belichick once he decides to retire. McDaniels and his play calling have helped to keep Tom Brady effective, even at age 39.
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At 40, McDaniels is able to deal with Brady in a manner that many older coaches cannot. His Patriots teams have never finished below 8th in the NFL in points scored.