Weis will stay with Pats
by Michael Felger
Thursday, February 7, 2002
Offensive coordinator Charlie Weis, one of the most instrumental figures in the Patriots' title run, agreed on a two-year extension with the team yesterday, the Herald has learned.
The total value of the deal is around $1 million, putting Weis in the upper tier of the NFL coordinator pay scale.
As expected, new Carolina coach John Fox offered Weis a deal to become the Panthers' offensive coordinator. The Pats, however, stepped up to retain Weis' services.
The extension ensures that, unless something unforeseen occurs, the entire Pats coaching staff will return next season to defend the Pats' Super Bowl championship.
The contract extension does not preclude Weis from interviewing for the Tampa Bay head coaching job, although that is thought to be a longshot. However, the Buccaneers were said to be interested in interviewing Weis for their offensive coordinator spot.
The deal means that Weis, who came to the Patriots with Bill Belichick before the 2000 season, won't leave for a lateral move.
Weis' agent, Craig Kelly, had negotiated with the Pats over the course of the season, but no agreement was reached until after the Pats' upset victory over the Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI on Sunday.
Kelly was unavailable for comment last night.
Weis and Kelly played their cards right. Prior to the season, the Pats offered all of their assistants one-year extensions with moderate raises. Weis was the only position coach not to accept the offer.
Weis then saw his value soar over the course of the season, as the Pats' offense overcame the loss of Drew Bledsoe and the Terry Glenn saga to consistently put points on the board.
Weis played a large role in developing the surprise story in the NFL this season - Pro Bowl quarterback Tom Brady. After the death of quarterbacks coach Dick Rehbein in training camp, Weis and Belichick split Rehbein's duties.
Weis tailored his play-calling to fit Brady's proficiency in the short passing game, and Brady was rarely asked to play outside of his abilities. In the meantime, Weis kept defenses guessing with a variety of multiple formations and trick plays.
Weis' greatest attribute was that he wasn't stubborn. As the Pats hit their stride late in the season, he saw that they were moving the ball on the ground behind Antowain Smith and an improved offensive line. Weis then tailored his play-calling to fit the team's new smashmouth style.
During Super Bowl week, many players, including Brady and receiver Troy Brown, spoke up in favor of Weis. Center Damien Woody said Weis was instrumental in Brady's play.
``He's just really kept that fire on him,'' said Woody. ``I think he's really helped Brady keep his edge and keep his focus. That's what has really helped Brady out this whole season.''
Added Brown: ``He's a been a huge factor. He's been the guy that's been calling the shots on offense, getting the game plans together. He's done a great job of it. We've moved the ball against some difficult teams. I don't know what would happen if we lost him.''
Now the Pats won't have to find out.
Meanwhile, the Pats will probably opt to hire a new quarterback coach this offseason.
by Michael Felger
Thursday, February 7, 2002
Offensive coordinator Charlie Weis, one of the most instrumental figures in the Patriots' title run, agreed on a two-year extension with the team yesterday, the Herald has learned.
The total value of the deal is around $1 million, putting Weis in the upper tier of the NFL coordinator pay scale.
As expected, new Carolina coach John Fox offered Weis a deal to become the Panthers' offensive coordinator. The Pats, however, stepped up to retain Weis' services.
The extension ensures that, unless something unforeseen occurs, the entire Pats coaching staff will return next season to defend the Pats' Super Bowl championship.
The contract extension does not preclude Weis from interviewing for the Tampa Bay head coaching job, although that is thought to be a longshot. However, the Buccaneers were said to be interested in interviewing Weis for their offensive coordinator spot.
The deal means that Weis, who came to the Patriots with Bill Belichick before the 2000 season, won't leave for a lateral move.
Weis' agent, Craig Kelly, had negotiated with the Pats over the course of the season, but no agreement was reached until after the Pats' upset victory over the Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI on Sunday.
Kelly was unavailable for comment last night.
Weis and Kelly played their cards right. Prior to the season, the Pats offered all of their assistants one-year extensions with moderate raises. Weis was the only position coach not to accept the offer.
Weis then saw his value soar over the course of the season, as the Pats' offense overcame the loss of Drew Bledsoe and the Terry Glenn saga to consistently put points on the board.
Weis played a large role in developing the surprise story in the NFL this season - Pro Bowl quarterback Tom Brady. After the death of quarterbacks coach Dick Rehbein in training camp, Weis and Belichick split Rehbein's duties.
Weis tailored his play-calling to fit Brady's proficiency in the short passing game, and Brady was rarely asked to play outside of his abilities. In the meantime, Weis kept defenses guessing with a variety of multiple formations and trick plays.
Weis' greatest attribute was that he wasn't stubborn. As the Pats hit their stride late in the season, he saw that they were moving the ball on the ground behind Antowain Smith and an improved offensive line. Weis then tailored his play-calling to fit the team's new smashmouth style.
During Super Bowl week, many players, including Brady and receiver Troy Brown, spoke up in favor of Weis. Center Damien Woody said Weis was instrumental in Brady's play.
``He's just really kept that fire on him,'' said Woody. ``I think he's really helped Brady keep his edge and keep his focus. That's what has really helped Brady out this whole season.''
Added Brown: ``He's a been a huge factor. He's been the guy that's been calling the shots on offense, getting the game plans together. He's done a great job of it. We've moved the ball against some difficult teams. I don't know what would happen if we lost him.''
Now the Pats won't have to find out.
Meanwhile, the Pats will probably opt to hire a new quarterback coach this offseason.
