Greg Schiano has stepped down from his position on the coaching staff of the New England Patriots.

The Patriots never announced Schiano's specific role, but it was assumed he would have a high ranking position on their defense to replace Brian Flores.

"This is not the result of any one event, but rather a realization that I need to spend more time on my faith and family," Schiano said. "I don't want to look back years from now and wish I had done things differently. Therefore, I am taking time away from the game to recalibrate my priorities."

"I respect Coach Schiano greatly and appreciate his contributions to our staff and team," Belichick said in his statement. "He is a friend who we support completely."

Schiano is a longtime friend of Belichick's and coached Belichick's son Steve at Rutgers for one season.