Since 2008, ten-time Pro Bowl special teams star Matthew Slater has been a pivotal figure in the New England Patriots organization. However, this chapter will come to a close in 2025, as Slater, who played for the Patriots from 2008 to 2023 and achieved great success as a three-time Super Bowl champion, will not continue with the team. Following his retirement from playing at the end of the 2023 season, Slater took on a special assistant role, supported by former head coach Jerod Mayo.
Regrettably, with new head coach Mike Vrabel now leading the team, Slater’s position as a special assistant will not transition into Vrabel’s regime, leaving him without a role in the organization. According to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, some might not perceive Slater’s departure as significant given his reputation primarily as a special teams coach.
Yet, Slater’s contributions have extended far beyond that role, particularly in mentoring rookie quarterback Drake Maye throughout his first season. Maye himself highlighted in a recent SiriusXM Radio interview that Slater was instrumental in guiding him through “all aspects of life” during his rookie year.
With his extensive experience as an NFL player, Slater’s presence would undoubtedly be an asset to any coaching staff, making Vrabel’s decision to part ways with him all the more surprising. However, it’s plausible that Vrabel desires to build a coaching team he completely trusts, distancing himself from members of the previous regime, which is a common practice in sports management.
