With success in the NFL comes changes. The New England Patriots' coaching staff is an excellent example of that. Often, after successful seasons, Bill Belichick sees some of his coaching staff poached by other NFL teams desperate to replicate their success. In 2019, that continued. Brian Flores, the defensive play-caller for the Super Bowl-winning squad, joined the Miami Dolphins to be their head coach.

The Patriots quickly changed up their coaching staff, hiring former Ohio State defensive coordinator Greg Schiano to fill the void of Flores. But he stepped down after a month, leaving the Patriots scrambling. So far, in training camp, Jerod Mayo — a former inside linebacker for the Patriots and a fan favorite — has been calling the plays. But expect Bill Belichick, one of the NFL's greatest defensive minds, to help with the defense more so than in the past.

In an interview with former Pats standout Willie McGinest on NFL Network, Belichick reaffirmed that notion:

Article Continues Below
More Patriots News
Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens before their game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at TD Garden.
Patriots rookie reveals Brad Stevens, Joe Mazzulla messageJaren Kawada ·
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) and New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrate a touchdown in the second quarter at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens
Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski recreate Lombardi Trophy boat moment with a twistGuillermo Guajardo ·
New England Patriots wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) warms up before the start of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Gillette Stadium.
Raiders’ Jakobi Meyers earns prestigious tag that’ll leave Patriots fans screamingJaren Kawada ·
New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs (8) walks to the podium to speak to the media after minicamp held in the WIN Field House at Gillette Stadium.
Josh Allen sends Patriots’ Drake Maye an inspiring Stefon Diggs messageBenedetto Vitale ·
New England Patriots wide receiver Kyle Williams (18) makes a catch during minicamp at Gillette Stadium.
Patriots’ Kyle Williams shows rookie swagger, ready to prove himselfJosh Davis ·
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel talks with New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) before the preseason game at Nissan Stadium.
Tom Brady’s endorsement of Mike Vrabel will inspire confidenceScotty White ·

“I think I’ll be more involved this year defensively than I was in recent years. Although I’ve always tried to be involved in all aspects of the game, especially the defensive side of the ball. But this year it will be a little bit more, but I’m enjoying it and eventually I’ll have less of a role. For right now, just to try and get things underway this year, I’ll try to be as involved as I can.”

It's unknown if Belichick or Mayo will call the defensive plays. However, don't expect radical differences from last year's defensive unit to this years. Belichick has always had the final word when it comes to defense, and it shows in their scheme, as they run his signature hybrid defense.