Patriots Interviewing Falcons’ Special Teams Coach

The New England Patriots are wasting no time in attempting to assemble the staff of new head coach Jerod Mayo.

New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo is certainly off to a fast start in shaping his staff for 2024. 

The Patriots, per a Monday evening NFL Network report, have requested permission to inter Atlanta Falcons special teams coordinator Marquice Williams for the same position on Mayo’s staff.

Williams, who coached the game’s third phase under former Falcons’ coach Arthur Smith  since 2021, has previously served on the defensive and/or special teams’ staffs of the Detroit Lions, Houston Texans, Los Angeles Chargers and Chicago Bears. The 38-year-old began his coaching career as both am outside linebackers coach and special teams assistant with Winona State in 2010. He was twice selected for the Bill Walsh NFL diversity coaching fellowship, once by the Bears (from 2013-14) and the Lions in 2015. 

Could Marquice Williams be the Patriots next special teams coordinator? / Cred: Icon Sportswire

New England’s request to interview Williams comes on the heels of an earlier report revealing their intentions to interview  Carolina Panthers outside linebackers coach Tem Lukabu as the Pats' defensive coordinator. Surprisingly, the team is also considering retaining the services of both Stephen and Brian Belichick — who in addition to being former coach Bill Belichick’s sons, also coach the team’s outside linebackers and safeties respectively. 

New England’s dismal 4-13 finish led to New England choosing to part ways with Belichick after 24 seasons as both coach and lead personnel executive.  Despite a strong showing from their defense, New England struggled mightily in both offense and special teams. Under the direction of coordinator Cam Achord, the Pats third-phase corps finished No. 28 in special teams DVOA, after finishing last the metric in 2022. Though second-year special teamer Brendan Schooler earned an All Pro nod for his performance this season, the unit routinely struggled with tackling, undisciplined penalties and rookie kicker Chad Ryland making only 64 percent of his attempts. 

Patriots' Mayo Interviews First Candidate For Defensive Coordinator

Should Williams, or another candidate, be hired to replace Achord on Mayo’s staff, that individual will likely face the unenviable task of repairing a significantly damaged unit without the guidance of 16-year veteran team captain Matthew Slater — who is expected to retire in the offseason.     

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