New England Patriots veteran Matthew Slater is transitioning into a full-time role with the team, stepping away from his previous position as an advisor. According to Mike Reiss of ESPN.com, Slater will now serve as the “right-hand man” to new head coach Jerod Mayo. The two have a history together, having been drafted in 2008, with Mayo as a first-round pick and Slater as a fifth-rounder.
Despite being technically classified as a receiver, Slater made a name for himself as a long-time special teams captain and an exceptional special teams player. Reiss notes that Slater’s role will involve providing input on football strategy and team development, as well as assisting with the growth and development of team personnel.
This move is seen as a wise decision by Mayo, as having a trusted and competent assistant is key for any head coach. Mayo and Slater share a close friendship, implying a high level of trust between them. With their shared experiences as players, they will now work together to achieve success on the coaching side of the game.
