The New England Patriots re-organized their coaching staff on Friday, announcing new position responsibilities for four members of the staff.
Most notably, quarterbacks coach Bill O'Brien will now also be the offensive coordinator. The other three changes were on defense: Mike Patricia is the new safeties coach, Patrick Graham is the linebackers coach, and Brian Flores is now a defensive assistant.
The Patriots also announced that Corwin Brown, who served as a defensive backs coach in 2010, will not be back.
O'Brien -- who has been with the team since 2007 -- fills an offensive coordinator role that had been vacant since Josh McDaniels left the team to become coach of the Denver Broncos in 2009. Though he wasn't officially the head of New England's potent offensive attack, O'Brien has handled play-calling duties. He has been the quarterbacks coach for the past two seasons, and served as the wide receivers coach in 2008.
New England's offense was among the most dangerous in football in 2010, led by quarterback Tom Brady, who was a unanimous league MVP selection following a 36-touchdown, four-interception campaign.
O'Brien joined New England after 14 seasons coaching at the collegiate level. He had coaching tenures at Georgia Tech (1995-02), Maryland (2003-04) and Duke (2005-06). He served as offensive coordinator for Georgia Tech and Duke.
