Mississippi State may be the beneficiary of the New England Patriots losing in the Wild Card Round of the NFL playoffs. Because of that, the Bulldogs could have a chance to hire their new coach to replace Joe Moorhead.

Patriots special teams coordinator Joe Judge, a Mississippi State alum along with his wife, is reportedly a rising star in the coaching ranks. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the New York Giants are interested in interview him, and he’s presumably a possibility to land an interview at his alma mater, according to Football Scoop.

“Outside of Boston, Bill Belichick’s and Nick Saban’s circles, few people probably had any idea at that time who Joe Judge was,” Football Scoop reported. “At just 37 years old, Judge has quietly become one of Bill Belichick’s most trusted and respected lieutenants.”

Judge, who grew up in Pennsylvania, played at Mississippi State beginning in 2000. After his playing career, he immediately joined the staff as a graduate assistant. Then he coached linebackers at Birmingham-Southern  for one season before getting on at Alabama with Nick Saban, where he assisted with special teams. Then he was hired in New England.

Judge served as special teams assistant for three seasons before ascending to the coordinator role after the 2014 campaign. This season, along with being special teams coordinator, Judge also coached the Patriots’ receivers.

Judge is also highly regarded by Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, and sources told Football Scoop that whenever McDaniels leaves Bill Belichick there will have to be a grown man conversation about who gets Judge.

“We were told if the Patriots beat the Titans, the Patriots organization was not enthused by the idea of Judge interviewing for a college job on top of the Giants interview,” Football Scoop reported. “An interview with Mississippi State was unlikely had the Patriots won. However, the Patriots lost last night. Presumably, Judge will now take that interview with his alma mater.”

What’s more, Judge is also pursuing a doctorate in education, a degree he began in 2005, and reportedly only has his dissertation defense remaining, according to Patriots.com. The father of four has obviously had a tough time finding time along with being an NFL assistant, though he has finished his coursework and hours at MSU.