Patriots forgo offensive, defensive coordinator titles

The New England Patriots won't hand out an official offensive coordinator or defensive coordinator title for the 2022 season, the team announced in a press release obtained by ESPN's Mike Reiss.

The Patriots haven't named a defensive coordinator since 2017, when Matt Patricia commanded the unit. Josh McDaniels previously held the offensive coordinator role from 2012-21 before taking the Las Vegas Raiders' head coaching job earlier this year.

The future of New England's offensive play-calling duties was a major talking point throughout the offseason. However, head coach Bill Belichick has remained tight-lipped on who will be calling plays.

"I've called them, and I haven't called them," Belichick said in June about potentially calling plays himself, according to NFL.com's Nick Shook. "Other people have called them and haven't called them. We'll see."

Patricia and the returning Joe Judge will also be assisting the offense this season. Patricia's role was officially announced as senior football advisor/offensive line coach, while Judge holds the title of offensive assistant/quarterbacks coach.

Meanwhile, Steve Belichick and Jerod Mayo will coach the linebackers. Mayo received head coaching interest during the 2022 offseason.

The Patriots are coming off a playoff appearance after a 10-7 season. Their offense ranked sixth in scoring, while their defense finished second in points allowed.