Matthew Judon opens up on Bill Belichick exit and transition to new coaching staff

New England Patriots linebacker Matthew Judon supported the changing of the guard at the head coaching position, when speaking on NFL Network’s “Good Morning Football” on Wednesday.

Judon has been a pillar of the Patriots defense ever since he was signed by New England in March 2021. Injuries cut his season short last year, but it did not diminish from what has been a solid Patriots career so far. He has tallied 32 sacks in three seasons with New England and has been to two Pro Bowls.

He has watched the team struggle through its transition from the Tom Brady era with Bill Belichick running the show, and he believes it’s time for a fresh start.

“Belichick was a great coach. I looked up to him. I think he’s one of the best to ever do it at the clip that he did it and the high level I.Q. that he had. It was amazing to learn from him,” said Judon. “But I think with him leaving, there’s just new energy and new life in the building. Sometimes, I think it’s just time.

“I think with the hire of Mayo and bringing in somebody that’s been actually there for those years, that kind of understands player perspective and coaching and also how Coach Belichick actually ran the system—I think bringing in somebody like that instead of somebody that’s outside that didn’t know at all kind of helped us. It kind of helped because I think Mayo’s seen it go in one way, and he’s kind of trying to get it to go a different way. So, we got new life. We got new expectations.”

Time will tell how the results play out on the field, as New England looks to navigate a difficult road in the post-Belichick era. How New England adapts to the changes this season alone will be very telling.

Story originally appeared on Patriots Wire