The offseason was filled with uncertainty regarding the Patriots’ coaching staff, especially after the out-of-nowhere departure of presumed defensive coordinator Greg Schiano.

The staff may be all set, for now, but it appears as though Bill Belichick be taking more duties upon himself. According to reports, Belichick will handle the duties of defensive play-caller for the 2019 season.

“I mean, coach Belichick, he’s coach Belichick,” safety Duron Harmon said, via Kevin Duffy of the Boston Herald. “If he’s calling the plays, we’re going to be all right.”

Belichick last called the defensive plays for the Patriots in 2010.

Harmon added: “This man was calling the defense for the Giants (in the 1980s) and they won two Super Bowls, coached Lawrence Taylor and stuff. I think if he’s calling the plays, I think he’ll be all right.”

The Pats' defensive unit got a boost when the team signed linebacker Jamie Collins, who was previously a member of the team before being traded to the Cleveland Browns.

Though it’s only been two and a half years since Collins left New England, he returns under much different circumstances. He arrived in Cleveland as a budding superstar. After a few underwhelming seasons, he lingered in free agency into the middle of May.

Now, Collins’ role becomes the question. The Pats are deep at linebacker, with Dont’a Hightower and Kyle Van Noy returning as the top two players, and Ja’Whaun Bentley was playing 63.3 percent of the defensive snaps before being placed on injured reserve in Week 4.

Collins was an every-down player in his first stint with the Pats, but he’s unlikely to walk into that same role now. However, his presence will only add flexibility to Belichick's defensive calls.