Coaching staff analysis

ANALYSIS

The Patriots have lost four coaches this offseason, and no official replacements have been named by the team. One aspect to consider for a few of those voids is promotions from within.

Much like a football team has an eight-man practice squad -- a spot to develop players who might contribute in the future -- a coaching staff has a similar vehicle to groom those looking to break into the game.

The Patriots employed three "coaching assistants" in 2008, which are positions considered a step below a position coach.

Josh Boyer, who was a graduate assistant under defensive coordinator Dean Pees at Kent State when Pees was head coach, has been a coaching assistant in New England for the last three seasons. A native of Heath, Ohio, he'd seemingly be a consideration for the opening with defensive backs.

Boston College graduate Brian Flores just concluded his first season as a coaching assistant after working the previous four seasons in the team's personnel department. Flores spent some time assisting former special teams coach Brad Seely last season, and he might be a consideration to expand those duties under Scott O'Brien, who the Denver Post previously reported would be joining the Patriots (presumably as special teams coach).

Phillips Andover Academy and Tufts graduate Shane Waldron just concluded his first season as a coaching assistant. He had spent the previous three seasons as an offensive graduate assistant under Charlie Weis at Notre Dame, where he focused mostly on the offensive line. Waldron worked in the Patriots' operations department from 2002-2004, first as an intern, then as an assistant. Waldron is someone to consider as a possible replacement for former Patriots tight ends coach Pete Mangurian, who in addition to tutoring tight ends was involved in helping scheme the running game.