The special teams unit of the Patriots will have a new coach in place come September.
The Patriots also lost an accomplished special teams coach on the same day that Jerod Mayo conducted interviews with potential special teams leaders.
Joe Houston, the special teams assistant for the Patriots, is reportedly leaving New England to accept a coaching position at the University of Florida. Despite not having a formal title with the Gators, Houston is anticipated to contribute to their special teams unit following four seasons with the Patriots.
Having been a kicker at USC from 2007 to 2010, Houston has been a coach for 12 years, mostly concentrating on special teams. Houston will make a comeback to the college levels with Florida. He began his career there, going on to work at Iowa State, El Camino College, Toledo, and Alabama. In 2018, he oversaw special teams at Iowa State, and in 2019, he worked as an analyst for special teams at Alabama.
Houston joined the Patriots in 2020 as a result of his work for Nick Saban. Joe Judge was replaced by Cam Achord as the Patriots’ special teams coordinator that season. As the team’s assistant special teams coach, Houston took Achord’s position. This past season, Judge joined the two in the capacity of assistant head coach.
In 2023, the Patriots’ kicking game saw ups and downs. Rick Gosselin’s special teams rankings has the special teams unit at number 13. A few of the team’s highlights include Jalen Reagor’s touchdown return of a kickoff at Buffalo.
NFLPA All-Pro Brenden Schooler was also recognized for his punt-blocking prowess. Bryce Baringer, a punter, was also selected for the PFWA’s 2023 All-Rookie squad.
Since taking over as the Patriots’ new head coach, Mayo has begun interviewing special teams coaches. He first conducted interviews with Rams assistant special teams coach Jeremy Springer, former Giants special teams coordinator Thomas McGaughey, and Falcons special teams coordinator Marquice Williams.
Williams reportedly declined the Patriots’ offer to take on the position of special teams coordinator since he would be staying in Atlanta under head coach Raheem Morris. Mayo conducted a second interview with Springer on Sunday in order to hire him. Mayo conducted virtual interviews prior to scheduling this in-person interview.
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