Patriots Losing Jamie Collins and Kyle Van Noy is Consequence of Bill Belichick's Expanding Coaching Tree
Bill Belichick is such a great coach that so many who have worked under him have earned jobs as head guys around the league. Now the New England Patriots are losing players to Belichick disciples.
Both Kyle Van Noy and Jamie Collins left the Patriots in free agency Monday. Van Noy went to Miami and Collins is headed to Detroit. The Dolphins are coached by Brian Flores and the Lions are coached by Matt Patricia, two former Patriots assistants.
With LB Jamie Collins agreeing to terms with the Lions (3 years, $30m), shortly after OLB Kyle Van Noy agreed to terms with the Dolphins (4 years, $51m), it is a reminder of how Patriots assistants landing head-coaching jobs can increase players' value beyond New England.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) March 17, 2020
Belichick himself is from the Bill Parcells coaching tree and knows the process. Those who serve well under him will get head coaching opportunities, and players may want to go join their former coaches outside of New England.
Jamie Collins and Kyle Van Noy got a combined $81 million today in free agency.
— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) March 17, 2020
Bill Belichick gave up a sixth-round pick to acquire KYN and signed Collins to a vet minimum deal last off-season.
The reason the Patriots have been so good is because Belichick is always able to find talent without having to hand out massive contracts. But when it's time for them to get paid, it appears they're making the smart decision and bolting to former assistants to get the money and familiarity.
Consider this the official beginning of the end of the Patriots dynasty.