21 April 2023 , 17:23
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The Philadelphia Eagles have hired Matt Patricia from the New England Patriots, meaning that quarterback Mac Jones has been granted his wish having lost faith in the coach.
After former Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels departed for the vacant head coach role at Las Vegas Raiders in 2022, Bill Belichick brought in both Patricia and Joe Judge as offensive coaches. The pair, previous Pats co-ordinators before departing for head coach roles themselves, were inexperienced on offensive and Jones appeared to fall out with Patricia specifically.
Jones was seen screaming at Patricia on two occasions last season, and the 24-year-old has since found himself linked with a trade. But it is Patricia that has now parted ways, meaning that Jones' future with the Patriots now looks a little more certain, for the time being.
Patricia has become the new Senior Defensive Assistant at the Eagles, after his second stint with the Patriots came to an end. The former Detroit Lions head coach was better known for his defensive duties at the Patriots and has accepted a new challenge over in Philadelphia.
According to The Athletic, Jones had lost faith in both Patricia and Judge after a poor 2022 season, outing them as the scapegoats for their downfall. Jones also didn't enjoy a prolific year, and it's been widely circulated that Belichick could trade the 24-year-old.
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But as Jones is still young - he was a first round pick by the Patriots in 2021 - there is still plenty of potential to work with. Belichick and Jones will be hoping that last season was a blip, otherwise his future may no longer be with New England.
Jones lost his cool with Patricia at times last season (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)For now, Jones' wishes appear have been granted, and he'll work with returning former offensive co-ordinator Bill O'Brien who has taken on the same position for the 2023 campaign. It would be a big job for Judge to undertake on his own, especially after the struggles last season.
Jones frustrations boiled over on occasions, and he was seen telling Patricia to "f*** off" during a 27-13 win over Arizona Cardinals. "This is an emotional game and everyone feeds off emotion," Jones told ESPN after the game as he justified his antics.
"And I think at times we’re too flat. That’s what I try to do … motivate my guys. Shout out to everyone on my team for responding."
They may have won the game, but the lack of respect didn't go down well with Belichick, as there appeared to be an animosity between the pair for a large portion of the season. Belichick seems willing to give Jones another shot, but usually there is only ever be one winner when it comes to the Patriots head coach.