3 Patriots Coaches On Their Way Out With Bill Belichick Gone
By Ryan Bunton
2. Adrian Klemm
A former second round pick of the Patriots who suited up for the team from 2000 to 2004, Adrian Klemm reunited with his former coach as Bill Belichick's offensive line coach in 2023. Klemm had served at the University of Oregon as their offensive line coach and run game coordinator in 2022. Before Oregon, Klemm coached for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 2019-2021.
In 2021 as the Pittsburgh Steelers' offensive line coach, Klemm left the team with two games remaining in the season after head coach Mike Tomlin caught wind that Klemm was sniffing around jobs to get out of the Steel City.
Early in the 2023 season, Klemm was reportedly upset about the lack of talent on the Patriots' offensive line and "confronted" New England director of player personnel Matt Groh in a "loud exchange". The Patriots offensive line was much maligned this season, and rightfully so. The unit ranked 27th in pass-blocking efficiency per Pro Football Focus and last in the NFL in ESPN's pass-block win rate. Whether that was a lack of talent on the line or Klemm and assistant offensive line coach Billy Yates' inability to coach them up to a higher level, the truth can land in the middle.
In early November, Klemm stepped away from the Patriots due to a health matter and ultimately did not return for the 2023 campaign. Obviously, Klemm's health is paramount, but don't be surprised if between the offensive line's dreadful performance this season and disagreements with upper management, he doesn't return to New England in 2024.