Following the sudden departure of defensive coordinator Matt Patricia to become the New England Patriots' head coach, the team finds itself in a unique position. With Patricia's departure, the Patriots now have an opportunity to promote from within and potentially elevate one of their assistant coaches to the coveted position of defensive coordinator, a move that could have significant implications for the team's future.

Several internal candidates have emerged as potential replacements for Patricia, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. Inside linebackers coach Jerod Mayo, who has been with the Patriots since 2013, is seen as a strong contender. Mayo has a deep understanding of the Patriots' defensive system and has a track record of working effectively with the team's young linebackers. However, he lacks experience as a defensive coordinator and may be too inexperienced for the role.

Another potential candidate is outside linebackers coach Brian Flores. Flores joined the Patriots in 2016 and has quickly risen through the ranks. He is known for his strong coaching skills and his ability to motivate players. However, he also lacks experience as a defensive coordinator and may not be ready for the role.

A third candidate is safety coach Steve Belichick, the son of head coach Bill Belichick. Belichick has been with the Patriots since 2016 and has worked his way up from a scouting assistant to his current role. He is highly respected within the organization and is considered to be a rising star in the coaching ranks. However, he also lacks experience as a defensive coordinator and may not be ready for the role.

In addition to the internal candidates, the Patriots could also look outside the organization for a new defensive coordinator. Some potential external candidates include:

Vic Fangio, former head coach of the Denver Broncos: Fangio is a veteran defensive coach with over 30 years of experience. He is known for his innovative defensive schemes and his ability to get the most out of his players. However, he may be too expensive for the Patriots and may not be willing to leave his current role.

Raheem Morris, former head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Morris is a young and up-and-coming defensive coach. He is known for his strong leadership skills and his ability to develop young players. However, he lacks experience as a defensive coordinator and may not be ready for the role.

Leslie Frazier, former head coach of the Minnesota Vikings: Frazier is a veteran defensive coach with over 20 years of experience. He is known for his strong leadership skills and his ability to get the most out of his players. However, he may be too expensive for the Patriots and may not be willing to leave his current role.

The Patriots are faced with a difficult decision in choosing their next defensive coordinator. There are several strong internal candidates, but none of them have experience as a defensive coordinator. There are also several strong external candidates, but they may be too expensive or not willing to leave their current roles. Ultimately, the Patriots will need to decide whether they want to promote from within or look outside the organization for their next defensive coordinator.

If the Patriots decide to promote from within, Mayo is the most likely candidate. He has a deep understanding of the Patriots' defensive system and has a track record of working effectively with the team's young linebackers. However, he lacks experience as a defensive coordinator and may be too inexperienced for the role.

If the Patriots decide to look outside the organization, Fangio is the most likely candidate. He is a veteran defensive coach with over 30 years of experience. He is known for his innovative defensive schemes and his ability to get the most out of his players. However, he may be too expensive for the Patriots and may not be willing to leave his current role.

The Patriots are in a unique position as they look to replace Matt Patricia as defensive coordinator. They have several strong internal candidates, but none of them have experience as a defensive coordinator. They also have several strong external candidates, but they may be too expensive or not willing to leave their current roles. Ultimately, the Patriots will need to decide whether they want to promote from within or look outside the organization for their next defensive coordinator.

This decision will have a significant impact on the team's future. If the Patriots promote from within, they will be taking a risk on an inexperienced coach. If they look outside the organization, they will be spending a lot of money on a coach who may not be a good fit for the team. Only time will tell which path the Patriots decide to take.

Read also: Daniel Penny Celebrates Not Guilty Verdict With Lawyers At NYC Bar