Patriots Football Daily: Steve Belichick Speaks; 20K Club

Bill Belichick wasn’t the only member of his family to leave the New England Patriots organization this offseason. Steve Belichick, a longtime defensive assistant in New England, also “parted ways” with the Patriots. This leaves safeties coach Brian Belichick as the lone member of the family remaining in Foxboro. Steve Belichick was calling plays for the defense last season. Now he is the defensive coordinator of the Washington Huskies.

Steve Belichick spoke to the Green Light with Chris Long podcast last week. Topics included his decision to join the University of Washington staff, the influence of his father, college recruiting, the challenges of coaching different players, Bill Belichick’s plans, and appreciation for Jerod Mayo, Matthew Slater, and others.

Belichick indicated he did have several potential options, including staying in New England. He opted for the UW job to become a coordinator. He knew the Huskies’ new head coach Jedd Fisch from his time Fisch’s time with the Patriots (QB Coach in 2020). Former Patriots running backs coach Vinnie Sunseri is also on staff.

Chris Long, the son of Pro Football Hall of Fame player Howie Long, suggested Steve Belichick had an advantage over other coaches on Bill Belichick’s coaching tree because sons of famous people do not want to be like their fathers. Steve Belichick said he would like to have the same success as his father, but “I want to be Steve, I don’t want to be Bill.”

Learning in New England

He mentioned players who helped him grow as a coach, singling out Steve Gregory as the first person who came to mind. He mentioned Willie McGinest, Tedy Bruschi, Mike Vrabel, Rodney Harrison, and Jarvis Green as Patriots plans who helped him grow early on as well.

Belichick said he learned how to coach different types of players from New England’s safety room. The studious Devin McCourty as opposed to Patrick Chung was used as an example. He expressed love for the current linebacker room, mentioning Ja’Whaun Bentley, Anfernee Jennings, Jahlani Tavai, and Raekwon McMillan. “I love the linebacker room, that was a great room.”

As for the New England Patriots new head coach, “Me and Jerod (Mayo) go way back,” said Belichick. “We just had a really close relationship.”

He continued about his father’s replacement, saying, “We became so close these last few years. I’m super excited for Jerod. I think he’s ready for this. You know, it was his time. And he’s a great motivator and a great teacher, so those are two good qualities for a great coach.”

Finishing up they discussed the retirement of Matthew Slater. “Honestly he left an impact on everybody,” said Belichick. “That guy was elite”

Several topics many Patriots fans might be interested in were not discussed, because it was a friendly conversation between guys who have a personal relationship. But it is still an enjoyable listen and worth checking out. Listen here.

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Football Fun Fact of the Day

Today Pro Football Hall of Fame running back Marshall Faulk turns 51. He is one of only five players in NFL history to amass over 19,000 yards from scrimmage in his career. However, Faulk fell 846 yards shy of joining the 20K club, which only has three members: Jerry Rice (23,540), Emmitt Smith (21,579), and Walter Payton (21,264).

Post of the Day

Post of the Day comes from BumbacoDavey with a fun fact about Super Bowl rings…

CRAZY BUT TRUE: Vladimir Putin has more Super Bowl championship rings than Josh Allen, Jalen Hurts, Joe Burrow, Dak Prescott, Phillip Rivers, Dan Marino, and the Buffalo Bills franchise combined pic.twitter.com/tonOO9ChJM

— Davey (@BumbacoDavey) February 25, 2024