This offseason for the Patriots has been unfortunately defined by losses. Long Time running backs coach Ivan Fears is set to retire, and the Patriots lost Offensive Coordinator Josh McDaniels to Las Vegas. Along with him went three assistant coaches, as well as Patriots director of player personnel Dave Ziegler. While those holes still remain on the coaching staff, the Patriots have named Ziegler’s replacement. 

The Patriots announced today that they have promoted Matt Groh to director of player personnel. Groh has certainly paid his dues, and got rewarded by being named the top personal guy under Belichick. Groh has spent 11 years with the Patriots, most recently serving as the teams college scouting director in 2021. 

Groh comes from a big time football family. His Father Al was a longtime coach, including a stint as the Patriots DC/LB coach from 1993-1996. His brother Mike is also the Giants WR coach. Matt has his work cut out for him. The Patriots are clearly a step behind division rival Buffalo, and New England’s drop off last year in December and January is certainly cause for concern. With a decade experience in college scouting, I would imagine Bill Belichick will lean on him big time in this year's draft. The Patriots will pick 21st overall in the first round.