Bill Belichick’s first task of the offseason is to replace Josh McDaniels, but don’t be surprised if he doesn’t directly replace him.
Belichick might have taken a step toward replacing McDaniels on Tuesday, when the team rehired Joe Judge. The former special teams coordinator will be in a new role though, returning to New England as an offensive assistant.
Former Patriots executive Mike Lombardi believes that no matter how Belichick decides to replace McDaniels, the head coach will run the offensive side of the ball.
“Whoever comes back is working for the head coach,” Lombardi said on WEEI’s “Merloni and Fauria.