Matthew Slater departs Patriots coaching staff after 2024 season

Matthew Slater, the former New England Patriots special teams captain and legend, has concluded his time with the team after not being retained on Mike Vrabel's revamped coaching staff for the 2025 season. Slater served as an advisor to former head coach Jerod Mayo in 2024 after retiring from playing in 2023, but with Mayo's firing and the coaching shakeup, he will not continue in the organization. Expressing gratitude for his time with the Patriots, Slater emphasized the importance of focusing on his family moving forward, stating, "I'm a dad and a husband, and that is what's right for me right now." Despite his departure, Slater's legacy as a foundational figure in the Patriots' success remains, having won three Super Bowls and served as a team captain for 13 years. While currently absent from the coaching staff, he remains a supporter of the team and has an open invitation to return as Vrabel promotes a welcoming environment for former players. Slater’s transition from football marks a significant chapter in his life after an illustrious 17-season career with the Patriots.