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Steve Belichick promoted to Patriots safeties coach

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- The New England Patriots announced their 2016 coaching staff on Friday, and one of the notable changes is Steve Belichick's promotion from defensive assistant to safeties coach. Belichick, the son of head coach Bill Belichick, was a coaching assistant on the staff for the past four seasons.

His promotion was a result of safeties coach Brian Flores being moved to linebackers coach. Flores fills the void created by the departure of Patrick Graham, who is now with the New York Giants.

A few other changes of note:

  • Longtime offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia, who had retired two years ago, is back on staff in his prior role. Scarnecchia's return has been widely reported.

  • Moses Cabrera has been promoted to head strength and conditioning coach. He was the team's assistant strength and conditioning coach from 2011-2015, and takes over for Harold Nash, who is now with the Detroit Lions. Cabrera will be assisted by James Hardy.

  • Jerry Schuplinski has been elevated from coaching assistant to assistant quarterbacks coach. Schuplinski, a graduate of John Carroll University, has spent the past three seasons as a coaching assistant with the team.

Coaching staff

Head coach: Bill Belichick

Offensive coordinator: Josh McDaniels

Defensive coordinator: Matt Patricia

Offensive line: Dante Scarnecchia

Running backs: Ivan Fears

Wide receivers: Chad O'Shea

Tight ends: Brian Daboll

Assistant QBs: Jerry Schuplinski

Defensive line: Brendan Daly

Linebackers: Brian Flores

Cornerbacks: Josh Boyer

Safeties: Steve Belichick

Special teams: Joe Judge

Assistant special teams: Ray Ventrone

Strength and conditioning: Moses Cabrera

Assistant strength and conditioning: James Hardy

The team will also have entry-level coaching assistants on the staff, but those positions have yet to be announced.