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:

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“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.