Key Patriots Coach Leaving New England for College Job
By Jovan Alford
The New England Patriots will be searching for a new assistant special teams coach as Joe Houston was hired by the University of Florida to coach that same unit, according to Jacob Rudner of Swamp247.
BREAKING: Florida is set to hire New England Patriots assistant special teams coach Joe Houston to coach its special teams units, sources tell @Swamp_247.
— Jacob Rudner (@JacobRudner) January 28, 2024
Houston was quite successful in his last stint at the college level with Iowa State.
DETAILS: https://t.co/ST23Fln4GW pic.twitter.com/sxMYLJBUv2
Houston spent the last four seasons with the Pats after previously coaching in the college ranks between 2015-19. New England’s special teams wasn’t great this season as rookie placekicker Chad Ryland converted 16-of-25 field goals made (64%).
However, Ryland was stellar on extra points this season (24-of-25 made), which didn’t happen too often with the struggling Patriots’ offense. New England was ranked second to last in yards per punt return (6.3), but fourth in yards per kickoff return (26.2).
At the same time, New England’s punting was one of the best in the league as they were ranked first in punts inside the opponent’s 20 yard line (38).
The Patriots are in the process of doing a complete overhaul of their special teams unit as they are also interviewing for their special teams coordinator position.
New England interviewed Atlanta Falcons special teams coordinator Marquice Williams for their ST coordinator and offered him the role. However, Williams declined it and will stay in Atlanta with new head coach Raheem Morris, per Aaron Wilson of KPCR 2.
Marquise Williams is staying with #Falcons to work for Raheem Morris per a source @KPRC2 after declining #Patriots offer https://t.co/S5TqiFKD4l
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) January 27, 2024
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