PEES OUT AS DC

[Bsports]

Let the dumping begin.

The New England Patriots defensive coordinator Dean Pees is out as defensive coordinator, ending his four-year run as the team's defensive play-caller.

It is the first major move of the offseason for the Patriots, who lost to the Baltimore Ravens, 33-14, on Sunday, in the first round of the playoffs.

(ESPNBoston.com reported that Pees' contract is up next month and that he will not be retained.)

It is unknown at this point who will take Pees' place, though it has been believed by many who follow the team that linebackers coach Matt Patricia is next in line to run the defense. Romeo Crennel, the Pats' former DC, just signed on this week with the Kansas City Chiefs to be their defensive coordinator, and Al Groh, who was on Belichick's staff in Cleveland and was recently released as head coach at Virginia, recently interviewed with the Dolphins for their open DC spot

http://patsblog.projo.com/2010/01/pees-fired-as-d.html

[Bsports]

PEES has now disputed the earlier report that he has been fired.

Dean Pees issued a statement late Thursday evening clarifying his situation. Pees, who had been the Patriots defensive coordinator the last four seasons and with the team as an assistant for the last six years, had reportedly been fired by the franchise Thursday afternoon. However, Pees, in a statement issued by the team, said that wasn't the case. “My contract with the New England Patriots will expire in a couple of weeks and I have informed Mr. Kraft and Coach Belichick that I will not seek to renew it,” he wrote. “I enjoyed my time in New England, but feel this is the right time to pursue other opportunities. I had the privilege of working with some great coaches and great players over the past six seasons and leave the Patriots with some wonderful memories that will last a lifetime. In addition to the players and coaching staff, I want to thank the Kraft family, the media and the fans for all of their support.”

http://www.weei.com/sports/boston/this- ... -not-fired

[Bear]

Well let me see, Crennel has joined Weiss, maybe Peese too?

[Bsports]

This didn't take long.

According to a report from profootballtalk.com, former Patriots defensive coordinator Dean Pees will become the new linebackers coach in Baltimore. Pees, who spent the last four seasons as the defensive coordinator in New England, did not return to the Patriots after his contract ran out at the end of the 2009 season. The Patriots have not announced a replacement for Pees.

http://www.weei.com/sports/boston/this- ... ded-ravens

[Bear]

BB, will take a bigger part in the defense department