It’s one of the worst-kept secrets in the NFL: Steve Belichick, the son of Bill Belichick, is the de facto defensive coordinator for the New England Patriots.
Technically, Steve Belichick is the Patriots’ outside linebackers coach.
Sign up for Giants Extra: Get exclusive news, behind-the-scenes observations and the ability to text directly with reporters
But on Sunday, after New England’s 20-17 win over the Arizona Cardinals, Bill Belichick admitted his son is calling the shots on defense. Per WEEI:
“Steve made a couple good calls that put us in the right defense against a couple of those, as well,” Belichick said after the game when asked about containing Kyler Murray. “That was good, too.”
Steve Belichick, you may remember is a Rutgers alum. Per the Patriots’ team website: “After playing four years of lacrosse at Rutgers, Belichick walked on to the football team as a long snapper to help in preparations for a career in coaching. (Belichick) enters his first season with the New England Patriots as outside linebackers coach following four seasons coaching in the secondary and four years as a coaching assistant.”
According to NESN, “the Patriots have not named a defensive coordinator since Matt Patricia left to become the Detroit Lions’ head coach after the 2017 season. Brian Flores called defensive plays as linebackers coach in 2018 before leaving the Patriots to become the Miami Dolphins’ head coach.”
The Patriots actually have two Belichicks coaching up New England’s defense. Per the Patriots, Brian Belichick is in “his first season as safeties coach following three seasons as a coaching assistant.”
Get Giants text messages: Cut through the clutter of social media and text directly with beat writers. Plus, exclusive news and analysis. Sign up now for a free trial.
Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription.
Mike Rosenstein may be reached at [email protected]. Tell us your coronavirus story or send a tip here.
