NFL Rumors: Multiple sides eyeing crucial Patriots coach for defense

Matt Patricia had a rough 2022 regular season as the offensive play caller for the New England Patriots. With his contract up in New England and the team choosing to hire Bill O'Brien as the new offensive coordinator, Patricia will likely coach elsewhere in 2023.

He was interviewed for the defensive coordinator position by the Denver Broncos, but the team chose to hire Vance Joseph instead. However, according to a recent ESPN article by Dan Graziano, Patricia is being considered for other defensive jobs as well.

The New England Patriots re-hired Patricia in 2021 as a senior football advisor after he was fired as the head coach of the Detroit Lions. He worked with the offensive line and then took on offensive play-calling duties this past season - a season in which the Patriots' offense struggled.

However, there appear to be other teams who are interested in hiring the defensive-minded coach for their staff.

What did Sean Payton say about former Patriots' assistant coach?

Last week at the NFL Combine, newly hired Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton spoke about the hiring of his staff. Although he didn't hire Matt Patricia as the defensive coordinator, he spoke highly of him after the interview, saying that the interview process went great with Matt Patricia. He went as far as to not close the door on possibly hiring him.

"I’d certainly want to talk to Vance and our defensive coaches, but I know Matt well enough to how smart he is and what he can contribute so we’ll see.”

Payton said that he would like to hire Patricia as part of the defensive staff because he knows how big of a football IQ he has. Sean Payton also added that he would need to discuss the hire with defensive coordinator Vance Joseph before making anything official.

The Philadelphia Eagles are also said to be interested in hiring Patricia, as they look to hire an offensive and defensive coordinator.