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On Thursday afternoon, the Patriots learned they will once again be without a defensive coordinator for the 2019 season, as Greg Schiano announced that he is stepping away from the game.
Schiano released a statement on the team’s official website:
”I have informed Mr. Kraft and Coach Belichick that I am stepping down from my position at the Patriots. This is not the result of any one event, but rather a realization that I need to spend more time on my faith and family. I don’t want to look back years from now and wish I had done things differently. Therefore, I am taking time away from the game to re-calibrate my priorities.”
Head Coach Bill Belichick also offered a statement:
”I respect Coach Schiano greatly and appreciate his contributions to our staff and team. He is a friend who we support completely.”
With Brian Flores’ departure and now the Schiano news, the Patriots will once again be on the market for someone to lead the defensive staff. However, if Bill Belichick decides to once again take over that responsibility, the organization still needs to make some additions to the defensive coaching staff, as their current personnel consists only of safeties coach Steve Belichick, and new linebackers coach Jerod Mayo.
More to come as information becomes available.