Patriots’ Matthew Slater announces retirement
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 07: Matthew Slater #18 of the New England Patriots waves to fans while walking off the field after a game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on January 07, 2024 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images)
Matthew Slater, longtime captain and special teams ace for the New England Patriots, announced his retirement on Tuesday.
Slater released a lengthy statement through the Patriots on
A message from Matthew Slater. pic.twitter.com/diVYMtAapu
— New England Patriots (@Patriots)
February 20, 2024/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">X, thanking as many people as he could for what they meant to him throughout his 16-year NFL career. Slater earned two First Team All-Pro selections and three second-team honors, consistently delivering elite play in special teams coverage.
MORE: Patriots reportedly release two defensive players
“Pats Nation, it has been an honor to represent the silver, red, white, and blue for 16 years,” Slater’s statement reads, in part. “Thank you for cheering, challenging and supporting our team each and every year.”
Slater also gave a big message of thanks to his former head coach, Bill Belichick, who parted ways with the Patriots after the 2023 season.
“To Coach Belichick: Thank you for giving me the opportunity to pursue my childhood dream,” Slater wrote. “Thank you for your belief in me. You took a chance on me and kept me around when many would not have. It is a great honor to know that I played for the best coach in the history of the league.”
Slater may have a case to be considered for enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Multiple All-Pro nods significantly bolster his resume, especially as a guy who played a position that doesn’t typically get a bust in Canton. But Slater’s sustained high level of performance over his career, and his reputation around the league as a teammate and captain, could land him on the ballot some day.
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Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Check out all of Matt’s content.
Patriots 2024 coaching staff new hires officially announced
After weeks of reports of various hirings, the New England Patriots formally announced the new members of their 2024 coaching staff on Monday.
With Monday’s announcement, the picture of the coaching staff is filled out. Pending any late, lower-level additions, here’s what the group looks like under head coach Jerod Mayo.
Offensive staff:
Offensive coordinator: Alex Van Pelt
Quarterbacks: T.C. McCartney
Running backs coach: Taylor Embree
Wide receivers coach: Tyler Hughes
Assistant wide receivers coach: Tiquan Underwood
Tight ends coach: Bob Bicknell
Offensive line coach: Scott Peters
Assistant offensive line coach: Robert Kugler
Senior offensive assistant: Ben McAdoo
Offensive assistant: Michael McCarthy
Defensive staff:
Defensive coordinator: DeMarcus Covington*
Defensive line coach: Jerry Montgomery
Inside linebackers coach: Dont’a Hightower
Outside linebackers coach: Drew Wilkins
Cornerbacks coach: Mike Pellegrino*
Safeties coach: Brian Belichick*
Defensive assistant: Vinny DePalma
Defensive assistant: Jamael Lett
Special teams staff:
Special teams coordinator: Jeremy Springer
Assistant special teams coach: Tom Quinn
Assistant special teams coach: Coby Tippett
Strength & conditioning staff:
Strength & conditioning coach: Deron Mayo*
Assistant strength & conditioning coach: Brian McDonough
*Returning from 2023 staff
Jan 17, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo addresses media with owner Robert Kraft (not pictured) at a press conference at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
Coaches previously reported to be returning weren’t included in the release. That group is made up of cornerbacks coach Mike Pellegrino, safeties coach Brian Belichick, and strength and conditioning coach Deron Mayo.
Now that the full coaching roster has finally been made official, here are some big picture takeaways on the Patriots’ 2024 coaching staff…
Matt, a North Andover, Massachusetts native, has been with The Sports Hub since 2010. Growing up the son of Boston University All-American and Melrose High School hall-of-fame hockey player Steve Dolloff, sports was always a part of his life. After attending Northeastern University, Matt focused his love of sports on writing, extensively writing about all four major Boston teams. He also is a co-host of the Sports Hub Underground podcast and is a regular on-air contributor on the Sports Hub. Matt writes about all New England sports from Patriots football to Boston Celtics and Boston Bruins.