Former Patriots Executive ‘Open’ to New England Return?

The New England Patriots front office may look a bit more familiar than originally expected in 2024 … whether Bill Belichick is with the team or not.

Are the New England Patriots trying to get the “Band” back together in 2024? 

With rumors continuing to swirl surrounding the future of coach Bill Belichick and him potential staying and bringing back Josh McDaniels, another former “Plymouth Rocker” might be tuning up his “Foxboro Fender” for another tour of duty at One Patriots Place.

Former Patriots general manager Scott Pioli has reportedly “been communicating” with team owner Robert Kraft and president Jonathan Kraft in recent weeks and “would be open to returning to the Patriots,” per the Boston Globe, "with or without Belichick.”

Scott Pioli, Bill Belichick / Cred: Barry Chin, Boston Globe

Pioli has long been recognized as one of the NFL’s top executives, having presided over player personnel for the Patriots, Kansas City Chiefs and Atlanta Falcons. During his time in New England, he quickly rose from assistant director of player personnel (2000) to director of player personnel (2001) and finally to vice president of player personnel his title with the Patriots from 2002-08. In that span, Pioli was a key component in compiling the rosters and staff of three Super Bowl championship teams (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX.) He was also named Executive of the Year by the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA) in 2003 and 2007. He would also win the award as Chief’s general manager in 2010.

Though he has not held an office with an NFL team since 2019 (assistant GM with Atlanta,) the Boston Globe’s report indicates that he has remained “around the game with consulting projects and work with the league office.”

While Pioli’s potential return appears not to be contingent on the Patriots retaining Belichick’s services, their long-standing working relationship would certainly help to mend the seemingly broken circle of trust in the Foxboro front offices. Belichick, himself, acknowledged New England’s 4-13 finish as deeply “disappointing” and a sign that “things need to be fixed.” 

Should Belichick remain in the Foxboro fold, Pioli could be a sound choice to help oversee the team’s personnel. Belichick hinted, while speaking with reporters on Monday, that he would entertain any plan which both he and ownership “collectively decide is best for the football team”  — assumedly including a reduction in his duties as de facto general manager.   

Belichick Open to Reduced Role to Keep Coaching Patriots?

Pioli is also not be the only ex-Patriot ostensibly being considered for an advisory role with the team for the upcoming season. According to a Monday evening report in The Athletic, Belichick had an "initial discussion" with Kraft about his future as Patriots head coach on Monday. Part of those talks reportedly involved the potential return of McDaniels as offensive coordinator.

In the meantime, the sands of southern New England continue to pass through the hourglass as Patriots Nation awaits word on the team’s coaching and front-office structure for 2024 and beyond. 

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