Eight years ago, when they were searching for a head coach and possible general manager, the New England Patriots were looking as a backup plan if they couldn't reach an agreement with the New York Jets for Bill Belichick, to hire former Steelers (and future Bills GM) Tom Donahoe to run the personnel department and Dom Capers as the team's new head coach.

It never happened, but tonight Capers was announced as the Patriots new secondary coach, also given the title of special assistant. He's been coach 22 years in the NFL, 16 of which have been as defensive coordinator (Miami this past season) or head coach (expansion teams Carolina and Houston).

"I have known Dom for a long time and respect him tremendously as a coach, particularly defensively," Belichick said in a statement. "To add a coach of his caliber is an outstanding opportunity for us. I look forward to getting to work with Dom and Dean (Pees) immediately."

Also, the Patriots hired Bill O'Brien as wide receivers coach, replacing Nick Caserio, who was promoted to director of player personnel. Caserio had worked in the personnel department for three years prior to last year. O'Brien was an offensive assistant last year.

-- TOM KING

Now the plot thickens, possibly, in the New England Patriots' attempt to keep Randy Moss. News that the team declined to use the NFL's safeguard, the dreaded (from the players' point of view) Franchise Tag, on Moss. That means they have a week to try to lock up a long-term deal with the heralded wide receiver prior to his becoming an unrestricted free agent. Their inability to come to any agreement by Feb. 29 would create a free-for-all that may certainly see Moss move on to greener -- literally -- pastures. It's quite possible the team has a deal already done with Moss, and reportedly by rule aren't able to officially announce anything until Feb. 29

If they had at least applied the tag to Moss, one of two big free agents they have (cornerback Asante Samuel being the other), the Patriots would have been on the hook for one year between some $7 million and $8 million, but at least would have had time (until mid July) to work out a long term deal. This likely means they feel confident they can get a deal done with Moss (or already have one done)  that spreads the money out over a few years. A Franchise tag would have had some salary cap implications otherwise.

-- TOM KING