New England Patriots All-Time Staff and Roster of the Bill Belichick Era

The New England Patriots have introduced Jerod Mayo as their new head coach and they are now at work to fill his coaching staff. It is time to look ahead to the Jerod Mayo Era in Foxboro. But before turning the page on Bill Belichick’s 24 years with the Patriots, here is one more look back.

Here is the New England Patriots 53-man roster of the Bill Belichick Era. This includes front office and coaching staff as well. Since Robert Kraft stated that Belichick had the say over all decisions for nearly a quarter century in New England, he will have final say here as well.

The staff and roster will be made based on the perceived desires of Bill Belichick. This means no malcontents (Asante Samuel, Ted Johnson), players with off-field issues (Aaron Hernandez, Chandler Jones) or perceived traitors (Eric Mangini) need audition or apply.

Weight is given to players who played longer in New England. So one great season from a player would not outweigh several good seasons by another. This led to some debate involving players like Darrelle Revis. Obviously, not everyone will agree with every selection. This group however, seems to be a solid representation of the Patriots Dynasty.

So without further ado, the New England Patriots staff and 53-man roster of the Bill Belichick Era.

Front Office

CEO/Chairman: Robert Kraft
President: Jonathan Kraft
Head of Football Operations: Bill Belichick
Vice President: Scott Pioli
Director of Player Personnel: Nick Caserio
Football Research Director: Ernie Adams

Obviously Belichick doesn’t have a say over the top two positions on this list, as the Krafts are firmly in place. He will certainly be happy to have old friend Ernie Adams back in the building though.

Coaching Staff

Head Coach: Bill Belichick
Offensive Coordinator: Charlie Weis
Defensive Coordinator: Romeo Crennel

QB Coach: Josh McDaniels
RB Coach: Ivan Fears
WR Coach: Chad O’Shea
TE Coach: Brian Daboll
OL Coach: Dante Scarnecchia

DL Coach: Pepper Johnson
OLB Coach: Steve Belichick
LB Coach: Matt Patricia
DB Coach: Brian Flores
Defensive Assistant: Brian Belichick

Special Teams Coordinator: Brad Seely
ST Assistant: Joe Judge

Strength and Conditioning: Mike Woicik

Bill O’Brien didn’t quite make the cut, but Belichick does opt to keep on trusted assistants Matt Patricia and Joe Judge on this stacked coaching staff. Scarnecchia and Fears are among the most obvious selections for the team. The Belichick boys find a spot on their father’s staff as well.

Quarterback (3)

Drew Bledsoe
Tom Brady
Matt Cassell

No question that the GOAT is QB1 for the New England Patriots. Bledsoe (2001 AFC Championship Game) and Cassell (2008 season) proved capable of coming off the bench in a pinch. Maybe Belichick opts for Jimmy Garoppolo or Cam Newton here, but these three look solid.

Running Back (4)

LeGarrett Blount
Corey Dillon
Kevin Faulk (KR)
James White

The two hardest runners of the Belichhick Era combine with the two most productive receivers out of the backfield to form a nice unit. This group also receives some additional depth from a member of the core special teams unit. Faulk will also serve as the primary kickoff returner.

Fullback (1)

James Develin

Will this edition of the New England Patriots use a fullback in their offense? Well, it would be nice to have the option if they ever need to grind it out. As a result, Develin finds his way onto the roster.

Wide Receivers (5)

Deion Branch
Troy Brown
Julian Edelman (PR)
Randy Moss
Wes Welker

Some say Tom Brady didn’t get enough offensive weapons during his tenure with the New England Patriots, but this group looks very solid. Two Super Bowl MVP’s join a pair of All-Pros and a Patriots Hall of Fame inductee. Edelman is also the punt returner, although Brown is a solid option there as well. A special teams ace (listed below) can serve as a sixth wideout in case of emergency.

Tight End (3)

Daniel Graham
Rob Gronkowski
Benjamin Watson

Gronkowski is the greatest tight end in NFL history and an easy choice. Although Hunter Henry might be a more well-rounded TE than Watson or Graham, Belichick likes having an extra receiver (Watson) and blocker (Graham) on the roster at this position.

Offensive Line (8)

LT Matt Light
LG Logan Mankins
C Dan Koppen
RG Shaq Mason
RT Sebastian Vollmer

OC David Andrews
OG Joe Thuney
OT Nate Solder

This unit coached by Dante Scarnecchia would be something to see. A lot of solid candidates had to be left off, including Joe Andruzzi, Steven Neal, Marcus Cannon, Trent Brown, and Mike Onwenu. But the eight who made the cut were all productive pros in the trenches for a solid stretch of time in New England.

Defensive Line (8)

Jarvis Green
Lawrence Guy
Trey Flowers
Rob Ninkovich
Richard Seymour
Vince Wilfork
Ty Warren
Deatrich Wise

Chandler Jones was tough to leave off, but Jarvis Green only had five fewer sacks (38.0-33.0) and will bring fewer concerns. Bobby Hamilton was among the toughest omissions, a very underrated player. Christian Barmore and Andre Carter were among the others who didn’t have a large enough body of work for the New England Patriots to make the cut.

Linebackers (6)

Tedy Bruschi
Jamie Collins
Dont’a Hightower
Jerod Mayo
Willie McGinest
Mike Vrabel

The Backerhood is an elite group. They are solid on both the edge and up the middle, capable of playing 4-3 or 3-4. Ninkovich also provides depth here, along with a core special teams player listed below. Matthew Judon, Rosevelt Colvin, Roman Phifer, Tully Banta-Cain, and Ja’Whaun Bentley are among the New England Patriots linebackers that deserve an honorable mention here.

Cornerbacks (5)

Malcolm Butler
Stephon Gilmore
J.C. Jackson
Jonathan Jones
Ty Law

Both Darrelle Revis and Aqib Talib have legitimate arguments to be among this group based on their top-end performances. Logan Ryan was one of the most reliable cornerbacks for an extended period of time. In the end, this group represents the best of both worlds for New England. Jones, Jackson, and Butler all have the ability to contribute on special teams too.

Safety (4)

Patrick Chung
Rodney Harrison
Devin McCourty
Lawyer Milloy

One of the strongest units on the roster, these four provide coverage and stout tackling. Kyle Dugger was a close call for one of these spots, but only three players with no Super Bowl rings made the roster. Tough to find fault in this group. McCourty also has the ability to fill in as a extra cornerback or a kickoff returner as well.

Special Teams Specialists (3)

PK: Adam Vinatieri
P: Ryan Allen
LS: Joe Cardona

Core Special Teams Players (3)

Brandon Bolden (RB)
Larry Izzo (LB)
Matthew Slater (WR)

Much of the New England Patriots Dynasty under Bill Belichick was highlighted by exceptional special teams play. Vinatieri gets the nod at kicker due his clutch kicks. Ryan Allen is one of the only punters ever in a Super Bowl MVP conversation. Long snapper went to Cardona over Lonnie Paxton due to Belichick’s love of the Navy. Slater and Izzo are two of the greatest special teams players in history. Bolden got chosen over the likes of Nate Ebner, Brenden Schooler, and others due to his potential contributions on offense.