Belichick had to take it out on someone... It's never his fault I guess. Oh well, who cares... the more things go wrong in Pats nation the happier I am . Funny how he waited until Crennel and Weis found jobs before firing his guys... what an idiot. http://blogs.nfl.com/2010/01/14/patriots-fire-defensive-coordinator-pees/ The Patriots have fired defensive coordinator Dean Pees, a team source told NFL Network’s Michael Lombardi on Thursday. The Patriots ranked 11th in total defense (320 yards per game) this season, but they were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs after allowing the Ravens to score 33 points and rack up 234 rushing yards. That came one week after Pees, who become the Patriots’ defensive coordinator in 2006, was hospitalized in Houston. The 60-year-old complained of shortness of breath during a regular-season-ending loss to the Texans, but he later recovered. This isn’t likely to be the only change to New England’s coaching staff, according to NFL Network’s Jason La Canfora. Patriots coach Bill Belichick isn’t pleased with how this season ended, La Canfora reports, and also could make a change on offense. Traditionally, Belichick promotes from within, but Al Groh is a name to watch for the defensive coordinator vacancy. Groh has strong ties to Belichick and was fired as Virginia’s coach. Groh also is a disciple of Bill Parcells and interviewed Wednesday for the Dolphins’ defensive coordinator job, which many around the league believe will be his for the taking. Therefore, it’s conceivable that two of Groh’s closest coaching mentors could end up in a bidding war for his services. UPDATE: Pees released a statement explaining his situation. “My contract with the New England Patriots will expire in a couple of weeks and I have informed Mr. Kraft and Coach Belichick that I will not seek to renew it. I enjoyed my time in New England, but feel this is the right time to pursue other opportunities. I had the privilege of working with some great coaches and great players over the past six seasons and leave the Patriots with some wonderful memories that will last a lifetime. In addition to the players and coaching staff, I want to thank the Kraft family, the media and the fans for all of their support.”
PS I apologize to all the classy Pats fans we have on TGG if I'm happy for their team misfortunes... it's just that Belichick gets sooo much under my sking... argh :S!
Is Al Groh any good as a D coord? Since he's either going to the Dolphins or the Patriots I'd like to know more about this guy.
Didn't Pees go to the hospital after the Texans game?? Pees: Man that was scary....i hate hospitals Belichick: How're you feelin'? Pees: better...thanks for asking, Bill. Belichick: You're fired, Dean stay classy, Bill.
:beer: Raise a glass to Bill Belicheat, as he is sitting home in his hoodie crying after a round of golf.
"I want to thank the media and the fans for all of their support" ? I've never heard some no name DC thanking the media and fans before. Strange.
You would think if the D coordinator was the problem, BB would have taken the D over during the season? I don't get it.
He wasn't fired, he is choosing to leave. Health definitely appears to be a factor. http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/extra_points/2010/01/pees_explains_d.html I’ve chosen not to return,” Pees said. “I’m not retiring, although I might. I need some time to think about what I’m going to do. It could be a bunch of things. But I’m not leaving to go to a specific job. I need some time to see where we’re at. I don’t think it’s retirement, but I wouldn’t rule it out.” Pees, 60, was diagnosed with prostate cancer and underwent surgery over the summer. Soon thereafter, he had a blood clot in his leg. He’s now cancer-free, but had bronchial spasms – which have all the symptoms of a heart attack – cause a scare in the coaches’ booth during the regular-season finale in Houston, and he was hospitalized there..... Pees was appreciative to the Patriots organization for all they've done over the last few months. “It’s time for my wife and I to just sit back now, and not commit to anything,” Pees said. “I want to be fair to New England because of how well the Patriots have treated me. I had some reservations, and to be fair to everyone, this had to be done.”
I'd love to read the coaches interviews about their defense this year. "Belichick, Pees on New England's defense:" Yep, That's about right.
He was our HC in 2000. You should know about this guy. I think he got a raw deal after his only season... but he lost the locker room and took the fall.
The playoff game vs the Ravens was not the defense fault. It was the offense. Maybe BB should rid himself of the offensive coordinator as well. He can stand on the sidelines in his hoodie laughing to himself like a mad scientist not needing anyone to help coach his Patsies.
I was gonna say him being axed after the playoff game seemed odd considering Brady was about as bad as I've ever seen him in any game. Considering how great the field position the Ravens got all day I'd say the D did fairly well. Wanna talk about some of the worst QB play in NFL history watching Flacco and Brady that day....brutal.
You're right about that. In fact the D made two or three stops and Banta-Cain made a pick that set the Pats up to make a comeback, but Brady didn't/couldn't make it happen. Although Brady denies it, there is lots of speculation that his fractured index finger was reinjured when Suggs ripped the ball out of his hands on that first series. I think there may be something to it, because he threw wobbly-assed passes the rest of the game. Plus, I'm a classic Brady apologist. :beer:
