The rumor mill has been on overdrive when it comes to Bill Belichick and his future with the Patriots. Oddsmakers have it at about an even split whether he stays with the Patriots, or heads elsewhere.
Speaking with Patriots Hall of Famer Matt Light on MassLive’s “Eye on Foxborough” podcast, could the former offensive lineman even fathom a Patriots team without Belichick at the helm?
“I never thought Tom Brady would be allowed to leave,” Light said on the podcast. “I never thought Lawyer Milloy would be cut right before Week 1. I didn’t think Logan Mankins would be let go. I didn’t think a lot of things over the years, but I also know I don’t want Bill’s job, and I don’t know anyone who could do it better.
“So when it comes to the conversation as of late, whether or not Kraft or anyone else should have a conversation about moving on from Bill, I have to just say, if not Bill, than who? That’s the most important question.”
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Of course, there’s a whole list of possibilities with current linebackers coach Jerod Mayo sitting at the top. Light just thinks it’s going to be tough replicating what Belichick has brought to the table the past two-plus decades, even with this year’s team at 2-8.
As he said, he wouldn’t want to be the one to follow the six-time Super Bowl winning coach.
Light, however, pointed out that one of Belichick’s greatest strengths as a coach has been somewhat nullified with changes being made with the new CBA. With padded practices now being limited, it’s made it a lot harder for Belichick to get his points across.
“He’s phenomenal, obviously, in the film room and getting guys in meetings to understand concepts and all that,” said Light. “But, that only takes you so far. It’s always been the reps at practice and Bill’s been really good at going out there, and having a very disciplined practice, going through each of the individual sessions, the team sessions, getting the most out of what he wants the team to see, what he wants them to practice. But, that doesn’t exist these days.”
If it was up to Light, he would change the rules back to the way they were when he played.
And, if it was up to him to make the Belichick decision, Light didn’t mince words: “I would keep the one you have.”
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