The New England Patriots are in the need for another replacement defensive coordinator. Greg Schiano, hired in early February to replace the departed Brian Flores, announced on Thursday that he was “stepping down” as the Patriots' defensive coordinator.
“I have informed Mr. Kraft and coach Belichick that I am stepping down from my position at the Patriots,” he said in a statement posted on the team's website.. “This is not the result of any one event, but rather a realization that I need to spend more time on my faith and my family. I don't want to look back years from now and wish I had done things differently. Therefore, I am taking time away from the recalibrate my priorities.”
New England coach Bill Belichick offered support for Schiano in the wake of his decision to step away from the team.
“I respect Coach Schiano greatly and appreciate his contributions to our staff and team,” he said. “He is a friend who we support completely.”
The Patriots never officially announced the appointment of Schiano, but reports indicated he was hired as defensive coordinator in early February. Flores, New England's de facto defensive coordinator last season, was introduced as head coach of the Miami Dolphins the day after Super Bowl LIII.
Schiano, 52, was defensive coordinator for Ohio State from 2016 to 2018. Though most of his coaching career has been spent in the college ranks, Schiano also has ample NFL experience, most notably as head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2012 and 2013.
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