Not every Belichick left the New England Patriots this offseason.
The Patriots parted ways with head coach Bill Belichick after 24 seasons. His son, Steve Belichick, took a college job as Washington’s defensive coordinator after nine years at Foxborough.
However, Brian Belichick stood put.
The safeties coach, who joined his father’s staff as a scouting assistant in 2016, returns to New England to work under new head coach Jerod Mayo. Per MassLive’s Mark Daniels, Brian’s wife giving birth during the offseason helped motivate him to keep his current job.
“I was thankful and happy to get the opportunity to coach here and was thankful and happy to take advantage of it and take [Mayo] up on it,” Brian Belichick said on Wednesday. “I have a lot of gratitude in my life right now with my daughter, my job, being here, living in this area. I love it. I just hope I can contribute to help us be the best team we can this year.”
Mayo praised Belichick for handling an unusual situation “the right way.” He’s grateful to have the “fantastic” coach on his staff.
“Brian loves football, and he loves New England,” Mayo said. “I think I talked about this a little bit earlier: a guy, new baby, loves it up here, and wants to stay. We’re happy that he’s here.”
The change isn’t all bad, as Brian said no longer working with his father has benefited their relationship. He doesn’t seem to regret his decision to stick behind.
“I have the opportunity to coach a position in the National Football League. How much more can you ask for than that?” Brian said. “It’s been awesome.”