The New England Patriots might need a new tight ends coach. Earlier this week, Patriots TE coach Brian Daboll interviewed for the University of Alabama’s offensive coordinator position. According to Tider Insider, and via Roll Bama Roll, it would seem that “Brian Daboll is expected to be named the Tide’s next offensive coordinator.”
Daboll served as a graduate assistant under then-Michigan State head coach Nick Saban from 1998-99. Daboll joined the Patriots as a coaching assistant in 2000 and served as the team’s wide receivers coach from 2002-06.
Daboll left to be QB coach under Eric Mangini from 2007-08 and followed Mangini to Cleveland as the offensive coordinator from 2009-10. Daboll was offensive coordinator for the Dolphins in 2011 and the Chiefs in 2012, before ultimate returning to the Patriots in 2013. Daboll has been a part of all five Patriots Super Bowl titles.
Daboll will re-join Saban, now head coach of Alabama, and should bring a Pro Style offense to the Crimson Tide.
The Patriots will have to replace Daboll as tight ends coach and there isn’t a clear option on the roster. The coaching assistants don’t seem to make too much sense as fits, either; offensive assistant Nick Caley has ten years of experience as a defensive coach in the college ranks and fellow offensive assistant Cole Popovich is likely to take over as offensive line coach in a couple years. Defensive assistant Mike Pellegrino is in his second year as a football coach after playing lacrosse.
Look for head coach Bill Belichick to make an external hire to fill this position.
I hear Chip Kelly is still looking for a job, as is former Patriots TE coach George Godsey (2012-13), who is on the market after serving as the Texans offensive coordinator.