Now that the confetti has finished falling, the Patriots can start to think about 2019.
It's been two years since the Patriots officially had an assistant coach with the title of defensive coordinator. Erstwhile linebackers Brian Flores, now head coach of the Miami Dolphins, held the defensive play-calling duties this past season after former D.C. Matt Patricia accepted the Detroit Lions' top job a year ago.
According to The Boston Globe, however, there will be a new defensive coordinator in Foxborough this coming season.
Former Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano, most recently the Ohio State defensive coordinator, has long held close ties to Bill Belichick, and his expected move to New England has been rumored for several weeks.
But before we get too far ahead of ourselves, **The Providence Journal** takes a look back at the 2018 season, which one columnist says might be Bill Belichick's best ever as head coach.
On **The Athletic** website, a former Patriots player offers advice to TE Rob Gronkowski, who's mulling his football future again this offseason.
Flores, meantime, took a moment to reflect on Super Bowl LIII, describing CB Jason McCourty's pass-breakup in the end zone as the play of the game. **NBC Sports Boston** has details.
But as we head into 2019, **Boston Sports Journal** offers 10 items the Patriots must address this offseason.
And are you excited for the Patriots to kick off the 2019 regular season as NFL champs? According to the **Patriot Ledger** (citing another media source), the Super Bowl LIII champion Patriots might not be given the traditional Thursday night opener this year.
