The New England Patriots announced changes to their coaching staff Thursday, and normally, Matt Patricia's promotion to defensive coordinator would be the headline here. But another surprising name popped up on the press release: Belichick. Steve Belichick.
The team has hired Bill Belichick's son as a coaching assistant. A coaching assistant is the very button rung of the coaching ladder. The job entails a variety of functions, usually including film study. Bill Belichick often talks fondly about his unpaid or low-paid start in the league as a glorified gopher with the Detroit Lions.
Steve Belichick, who was named after Bill's legendary scouting father, will follow in the family business. Bill Belichick's daughter, Amanda, is an assistant lacrosse coach at Ohio State.
Patricia's promotion isn't a surprise. He essentially had the responsibilities of coordinator last season without the title. Pepper Johnson will move from coaching the defensive line to coaching the linebackers. He has been with the Patriots 13 years and previously had pushed for the coordinator gig.