Pepper Johnson bolts from Patriots to join a division rival

When Pepper Johnson announced that he was leaving the Patriots after a solid couple decades alongside Bill Belichick as a player and coach, it took many be surprise.

Johnson was maybe a bit frustrated with his position with the Pats, having been along for the entire Belichick ride but never really getting much of a promotion. He was up for the vacant defensive coordinator position that opened up after Dean Pees left following the 2009 season, but it ultimately ended up going to Matt Patricia.

That never sat well with Johnson, and he finally ended up leaving the Pats this year, though on friendly terms.

It appears he will be headed to a not quite so friendly place, however, as Mike Rodak reports Johnson is signing with the AFC East rival Bills.

ESPN:

Former New England Patriots assistant coach Pepper Johnson agreed to join the Buffalo Bills' coaching staff Friday, the Bills announced.

Johnson will serve as defensive line coach and work under defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz (former Lions head coach), who was hired last week.

It's not a step up for Johnson position wise. He was defensive line coach for the Patriots for many years, before moving to linebackers most recently. Still, perhaps he feels he might be able to make a good impression in Buffalo to potentially take over Jim Schwartz's spot as defensive coordinator if Schwartz leaves for another head coaching job.

Of course, that's a lot of maybes. Best of luck to Johnson next year, except in the two games he plays the Pats.