Bret

Bielema

He spent last year as the Patriots’ DL coach before joining Joe Judge’s staff in New York last month. The top job in Colorado became available last week when Mel Tucker accepted the head-coaching position at Michigan State. Bielema boasts 12 years of head-coaching experience at the college level including stints with Arkansas and Wisconsin. The Buffaloes are also said to be pursuing Chiefs OC Eric Bieniemy, though it’s unclear if he would actually entertain that possibility.

There were reports Bielema, who has served as a consultant with the Patriots this season, would join current Patriots de-facto DC Brian Flores’ staff in Miami. There have also been reports former Ohio State DC Greg Schiano, who left the program earlier this month, would take over coordinator responsibilities with the Patriots, but Volin notes it would be out of character for New England to immediately put an outside hire in that prominent a position. It is possible both Bielema and Schiano have a role on New England’s staff next season.

This one comes out of left field. Bielema is most famous for his power-rushing attacks, but he served on the defensive side of the ball before becoming a head coach. The 49-year-old (on Sunday) has never coached at the NFL level.