Patriots Eyeing Wes Welker for Wide Receivers Coach Role in Familiar Coaching Shakeup
The New England Patriots’ offseason has been marked by familiar faces returning to the team, and it seems they might not be done reuniting with former franchise greats just yet.
After Mike Vrabel’s hiring as the new head coach, the Patriots quickly brought in Josh McDaniels for his third stint as offensive coordinator. McDaniels, known for his success with the team, has begun assembling his coaching staff, but one crucial spot remains vacant: the wide receivers coach.
According to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, New England is reportedly considering none other than Wes Welker, the franchise’s all-time receptions leader, for the role. Welker, who has experience coaching wide receivers with the San Francisco 49ers (2019-21) and Miami Dolphins (2022-24), could be a perfect fit to fill the vacancy.
Welker’s coaching journey began in 2017 under Bill O’Brien in Houston, where Vrabel was the defensive coordinator at the time. The deep ties between Welker, McDaniels, and Vrabel could play a key role in making the reunion a reality, should both sides feel it’s the right fit.
Adding Welker to the staff would be in line with the Patriots’ offseason theme of prioritizing familiarity. The majority of the new additions to New England’s coaching staff have previous ties to the organization or to Vrabel himself, reflecting a sense of continuity.
Welker, who reached Super Bowl appearances both as a player with New England and Denver and as a coach with San Francisco, brings a wealth of experience and knowledge about what it takes to build a winning culture. Given his history with the franchise and the coaching staff, hiring Welker to guide the wide receivers would be a logical and strategic move for the Patriots as they look to continue their success.
