Dean Pees Steps Down ( Patriots Defensive Coordinator) UPDATED

[Donoghus]

UPDATE:

Pees stepped down
Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on January 14, 2010 5:55 PM ET
The final result is the same, but former Patriots defensive coordinator Dean Pees wasn't fired Thursday. Speaking to Tom Curran of Comcast Sports New England, Pees says he is walking away.

"I just chose not to return.  My contract is up and I've chosen to pursue other opportunities."

Pees was disappointed his departure was framed as a firing.  The team hasn't commented publicly on the matter.

It's unclear if Pees' opportunities will include coaching or not.  The 60-year-old had health issues recently.

Names being thrown out as possible replacements for Pees include linebackers coach Matt Patricia, defensive line coach Pepper Johnson, and Al Groh, who just interviewed with Miami.  Groh worked in New England under Bill Parcells and Bill Belichick in Cleveland.

We'd say that a Bill vs. Bill showdown could be coming for Groh, but Belichick is usually more inclined to promote a younger staffer from within.

UPDATE: Pees released a statement through the team. "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. 

"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."

[yall hate]

first, he wasnt fired.  his contract was up and he told the pats he wasnt interested in staying.  health possibly.  possibly just didnt want to stay.

I went off the intial report that was posted on PFT before the update was posted. 

You're right, its been updated that he stepped down and I'll change it.

no worries...just making sure people didnt think he was fired.  (although they might have said they werent going to resign him to a contract, yet allowed him to exit gracefully...who knows)

[Chris]

first, he wasnt fired.  his contract was up and he told the pats he wasnt interested in staying.  health possibly.  possibly just didnt want to stay.

I went off the intial report that was posted on PFT before the update was posted. 

You're right, its been updated that he stepped down and I'll change it.

no worries...just making sure people didnt think he was fired.  (although they might have said they werent going to resign him to a contract, yet allowed him to exit gracefully...who knows)

Well, I think the timing is interesting.  This happens right as the reports are coming out that Weiss and Romeo are close to signing in KC.  Whoever's choice it was, I think the Pats pushed the decision forward a little quicker than they planned, because other teams are moving fast.

[yall hate]

first, he wasnt fired.  his contract was up and he told the pats he wasnt interested in staying.  health possibly.  possibly just didnt want to stay.

I went off the intial report that was posted on PFT before the update was posted. 

You're right, its been updated that he stepped down and I'll change it.

no worries...just making sure people didnt think he was fired.  (although they might have said they werent going to resign him to a contract, yet allowed him to exit gracefully...who knows)

Well, I think the timing is interesting.  This happens right as the reports are coming out that Weiss and Romeo are close to signing in KC.  Whoever's choice it was, I think the Pats pushed the decision forward a little quicker than they planned, because other teams are moving fast.

it's certainly possible. 

Although I am not sure the Patriots would have ever been interested in those two (not sure if you were saying just the market, or that they missed their chance on a choice).

As good as Weiss was here, Brady's best years were when he wasnt here.  this is a completely different offense then we used to run with him here. 

And Crennel, I guess I have nothing to say about him...

I just wonder, would those guys have anything to gain by coming?  would anything less then a superbowl be a bust?