Jedd Fisch made an unexpected, yet intriguing hire by tabbing former New England Patriots outside linebackers coach Steve Belichick as his defensive coordinator. On Friday, Washington’s new defensive play caller made an appearance on former second overall pick and two time Super Bowl champion Chris Long’s podcast, Green Light with Chris Long.
“I worked with Jedd when we were together in New England in 2020 and we got to know each other,” Belichick said when asked why he chose Washington. “He gave me the opportunity and I’m just running with it.”
One of the biggest questions Belichick will have to answer at the college level after spending all 12 years of his coaching career in New England is how he will adapt to the world of recruiting.
“I FaceTimed my first high schooler this week which was a little bit different,” Belichick said. “It’s an adjustment but it’s just part of the business so I’m learning on the fly and as we used to say in New England, ‘Adapt or die.'”
“I’m still trying to learn the difference between NIL and NLI,” he said. “Every day I’m trying to learn and digest everything that’s going on… We had a great recruiting meeting the other day watching a lot of high school guys. You want to see those guys pop and be the best player on the field. Then you start to look at the skillset like can they run? Are they explosive? Are they willing to tackle?”
While he learns the recruiting trail, Belichick will also have to install a new defense and without tipping his hand, it appears he has a few ideas to help bring a few concepts with him from the NFL.
“The scheme has to fit the players,” Belichick said. “I’m not going to rubber stamp what we did in New England, that’s not my job. My job is to put these guys in the best position to win.”
He also doubled down on an earlier statement made by Fisch that his father, eight-time Super Bowl champion Bill Belichick will lend some time to helping out the Huskies. As Belichick continue to learn the ropes at the college level, he could prove to be a top-tier hire for Fisch.