When New England Patriots’ coaching assistants get hired as head coaches at another organization, they tend to bring players and coaches with them.
Detroit Lions coach Matt Patricia has done it. And Miami Dolphins coach Brian Flores is doing it, too. This offseason, Flores signed free agents Kyle Van Noy, Elandon Roberts and Ted Karras — all of whom played for the Patriots in 2019. But be careful about labelling the Dolphins as the Patriots South. That’s not their vibe, according to Van Noy.
“I don’t now how many New England guys there are, but we’re going to get away from that,” Van Noy told the Miami Herald recently. “We’re our own team, this is not the New England Patriots. This is the Miami Dolphins. It’s totally different, and I’m excited for that. New beginnings. We’re the Miami Dolphins. We’re here to represent the people of Miami. They want it bad. I can sense that. Miami’s a football town.”
Van Noy established himself as a known-entity in New England, where he was a leader in the locker room and a major contributor as a versatile outside linebacker. But nationally, he hasn’t necessarily arrived. Perhaps he can become a household name in Miami, just like he did in New England.
“I would love that,” Van Noy said. “The only way to do that is by my play and with the help of the media, hyping it up. If it happens, it happens. If it doesn’t, it doesn’t, I’m going to do everything in my power to bring it on my side. Hope [Dolphins supporters] can bring it on their side.”
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