BREAKING- Matt Patricia to rejoin Patriots coaching staff

As first reported by Jim McBride, former Patriots DC Matt Patricia is returning to the team following his release as HC of Detroit. Per the report, Patricia is returning to New England to assist the coaching staff in a variety of roles.

New: Matt Patricia is coming back to New England and will assist the Patriots coaching staff in a variety of roles, a league source confirmed. In addition, Evan Rothstein, who worked in a several roles with the Lions, also will join New England's staff. https://t.co/dUpYe8C1tl

— Jim McBride (@globejimmcbride) January 22, 2021

I don’t mind this at all, especially given Patricia’s experience with the team before he went to Detroit, interesting how it’s in more of an overall assisting role and not a specific positional coach role though.

By the looks of things, he’s put in a good word for Evan Rothstein, who was with Matty P at the Lions, he now joins the Patriots coaching team.

My understanding is Patriots coach Bill Belichick and Matt Patricia are working out a role similar to what Mike Lombardi's was in New England. Again, still a work in progress, but Patricia is expected to work on projects, be a resource to Belichick.

Should be interesting.

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) January 22, 2021

Both Breer and Ian Rappoport say that Patricia will be in an evaluation role also, similar to Mick Lombardi previously. One would assume this means he will be heavily involved in free agency and Draft evaluation for the Patriots following the departure of Nick Caserio.