Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton isn’t ready to close the door on the possibility of former New England Patriots offensive play-caller Matt Patricia joining his staff.
Patricia interviewed for the vacant defensive coordinator role with the team before the job was ultimately won by Vance Joseph. The fact that Patricia even interviewed for the job came as a shock with most thinking he’d return to the Patriots as a senior advisor, following a disastrous attempt at coaching offense.
But it would seem as if he’s itching for an immediate return, and most notably, back on the defensive side of the ball. There’s a chance that still happens in some capacity in Denver, according to Payton, via NESN’s Dakota Randall.
“I would say it’s a little early to answer that,” Payton told reporters at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine, when asked if there was an alternative role for Patricia on the staff. “The question was: Do I still possibly envision a role for Matt? And we just got here.
“He and I are gonna talk this week and I wouldn’t rule that out, though. … If that possibly came to fruition, it would be for a few things. I’d certainly want to talk to Vance and our defensive coaches. But I know Matt well enough to know how smart he is and what he can contribute. So, we’ll see.”
Broncos insider Benjamin Allbright noted last week there was still a chance for Patricia to join Payton’s staff, even if it isn’t as the defensive coordinator for the team.
I don't think hiring Vance ends the possibility of Matt Patricia being on the staff, FYI. https://t.co/E3mn0R3Ncj
— Benjamin Allbright (@AllbrightNFL) February 23, 2023
If anything, this current news means there’s a real possibility Patricia could be done in New England.
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