Mike Vrabel Just Made 1st Big Mistake as Patriots Head Coach
It isn't a secret that head coach Mike Vrabel's hiring has been a breath of fresh air for New England Patriots fans. The former Patriots linebacker-turned-coach brings coaching experience and a winning mindset to the team that the recently-dismissed Jerod Mayo didn't possess, leaving fans feeling optimistic about the franchise's outlook.
Just like with all new coaching hires, Vrabel has already begun transforming New England's staff into his vision. As exciting as it's been to watch the 49-year-old bench boss fill out his staff, the new hires meant that Patriots fans have been forced to say goodbye to some fan-favorite coaches, including special assistant Matthew Slater.
Although shaking up the coaching staff was necessary, releasing Slater may have been Vrabel's first big mistake.
Patriots News: Drake May Upset by Matthew Slater's Departure
Before the 2025 Pro Bowl, Patriots quarterback Drake Maye spoke to SiriusXM NFL Radio about the team's offseason, including Slater's departure. Never one to hide his feelings, the former 2024 third-overall selection made it clear that he's going to miss the former special teamer.
According to ESPN NFL insider Mike Reiss, Maye talked about "how Matthew Slater was a top mentor" throughout his rookie campaign, helping the young signal-caller in "all aspects of life." Reiss added that the ex-UCLA Bruin's departure has left a "significant void" on the staff.
Quick-hit thoughts/notes around the Patriots and NFL (Dante Scarnecchia on coaching changes; notable void at WR coach to be filled; Mike Vrabel at Senior Bowl as new regime takes shape; secondary coach shuffle with Scott Booker; Joe Thuney etc.) https://t.co/38c58u1yXy
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) February 2, 2025
Slater, 39, has been a familiar face around New England for over two decades. The Long Beach, CA native was drafted 153rd overall by the Patriots in 2008, launching a 15-year special teams career that saw him win three Super Bowl rings while receiving a plethora of Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors.
After retiring at the end of the 2023 season, Slater re-joined the Patriots as a special assistant to Mayo. He was hired to lend a hand in player development, playing a role in Maye reaching the Pro Bowl as a rookie signal-caller.
The last thing the Patriots need is for Maye's development to hit a snag because of Vrabel firing Slater. The former UNC product was one of the few bright spots of the 2024 campaign and has the fanbase finally feeling confident about its future under center.
Hopefully, Vrabel hires an advisor or two who can help build upon Maye's successful rookie season. In the meantime, time will tell where Slater's coaching career will continue. He's a solid coach and a decent human being, meaning it might not be much longer before he finds his next gig.
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