Patriots news & rumors: What’s next for Tom Brady; A Bill O’Brien return?

If you are a New England Patriots fan or even a Tampa Bay Buccaneers fan, you know nothing is over until it is over when it comes to one Tom Brady.

For 22 seasons in the NFL, 20 in a Patriots’ uniform, the greatest quarterback of all time has become the king of comebacks.  That’s why when social media went abuzz with the announcement of this retirement, all kinds of emotions filled the hearts of fans and haters, teammates, and competitors that the greatness was leaving the game.

Former New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady’s retirement premature

But everyone should’ve known better.  Like that time he was down 28-3 to the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI, you can’t count the GOAT out.

Likely, Tom Brady has made his decision, but wants to make the announcement on his terms.  While TB12 fans keep hope alive that he isn’t retiring, it really is time to think about what’s next for Brady.

A main reason for Brady retiring, if he retires, is to be there for his family.  That is something he has mentioned over the last few years and certainly during his final years playing for the Patriots.  But it is hard to believe that the man who loves the game so much that he has played well into his 40s will completely walk away.  So, what about coaching?

With Josh McDaniels rumored for the Las Vegas Raiders head coaching job, the Patriots will need an offensive coordinator.  Dreams of Brady returning to the team in that capacity has already started.  But hold up…Brady has already put that idea to rest.

"“Coaching wouldn’t be for me,” Brady told reporters in 2016. “No, certainly not. I like playing. I wouldn’t be a good coach. I don’t have the patience to be a coach.”"

Things can certainly change.  Tom Brady did say he wouldn’t retire until he sucks.  He didn’t suck in 2021, so you can’t rule anything out with this man.  How perfect would that Patriots sideline be with Bill Belichick, Brady and Mac Jones all there drawing up plays to dominate the league once again.

New England Patriots rumors: Bill O’Brien the perfect candidate

As unrealistic as the Tom Brady becoming the next Patriots offensive coordinator is, there is a real chance the person to replace Josh McDaniels would be Bill O’Brien.

According to former Patriots executive Mike Lombardi, whose son Mick Lombardi is currently on Bill Belichick’s staff as a wide receivers coach, the team is going to want someone experienced to help further groom Mac Jones.

Who better than O’Brien who is currently a offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at the University of Alabama, where Jones played his college ball.

"“I think knowing Bill, and of course my son [Mick] is the wide receivers coach there and he loves his work, and I think the way Bill has always operated, including back to Josh — remember Josh wasn’t the offensive coordinator for a long time, even when he was calling plays he didn’t get that title,” Lombardi said as transcribed by WEEI. “You earn yourself to more responsibility. That’s the Patriot Way, which I agree 1,000 percent with, but I think there would have to be — I think a call would be made to Bill O’Brien because he’s familiar with the system. He’s familiar with the process. People have mentioned Joe Judge, but Joe was the receivers coach. Joe has never called a game before — offensively.”"

O’Brien makes too much sense here.  If McDaniels does move on to the Raiders, he is the obvious choice to come in and help Jones continue to get better.  With his past head coaching experience, he would also be a candidate to replace Belichick as New England Patriots head coach when the time comes.