New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones warms up before the start of a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Gillette Stadium. (David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports)
Simms said that Jones had made calls to Alabama for help, of which Belichick soon caught wind.
PATRIOTS' OFFENSIVE STRUGGLES HIGHLIGHTED BY MAC JONES, JOE JUDGE FALLOUT: REPORT
"I do think he was a little bit in the proverbial doghouse with Belichick a little bit because, yes, I was told that he was calling around and trying to ask, ‘Hey, we need some ideas for the offense.’ And word got back to Bill and that was why he was in the doghouse a little bit."
Head coach Bill Belichick and Mac Jones (Megan Briggs /Getty Images / File)
Jones’ prayers were seemingly answered when the Patriots announced last month that former offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien, who spent the last two seasons as Alabama’s offensive coordinator, would be returning for the 2023 season.
"I am looking forward to working with Bill again," Belichick said at the time. "He is an outstanding coach and an asset to our staff."
New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones (AP Photo / Michael Dwyer / File)
O’Brien’s hiring followed a turbulent year for the Patriots' offense, one that saw Jones get visibly frustrated with senior football adviser and offensive line coach Matt Patricia on several occasions.
Following longtime offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels' departure at the end of the 2021 season, Belichick relied on Patricia as the primary play caller and former New York Giants head coach Joe Judge as the quarterbacks coach.