Robert Kraft Tries to Offset Bill Belichick Falcons Backlash With Matthew Slater Hire

It seems Matthew Slater is joining the Pats at the perfect time! The New England Patriots CEO has been at the center of the Bill Belichick drama storm brewing for the past few days. After a loaded report by ESPN released this week, Robert Kraft came under the line of fire of scrutiny. The owner was reported to be responsible for the team’s former head coach missing out on a job opportunity with the Atlanta Falcons this offseason.

Whereas the Patriots have refuted the report, Kraft has been under the lens of speculation. However, a recent update in the team’s roster might just be the distraction the CEO needs from the bad press. The recently retired wide receiver returns to his long-time franchise as a support to HC Jerod Mayo.

Matthew Slater returns to the Patriots as Mayo’s “right-hand man”

According to Mike Reiss, the Patriots loyalist will be returning to a “full-time position” this offseason. Slater would be assisting his former draft class partner, Mayo, in his head coach duties. The three-time Super Bowl champion will reportedly be the “‘right-hand man’ to first-year head coach Jerod Mayo, providing Mayo a sounding board on football and team building, as well as assistance in ‘people development.’”

Reiss also reported that when Mayo stepped into coaching back in 2019, he had expressed his wish to work alongside the former WR. And it’s not hard to see why! Slater has spent 16 years in New England and is a 10-time Pro Bowl and 5-time first-team All-Pro achiever. On top of that, his prowess and consistency in the franchise made him one of the favorites of the former legendary head coach. His return might help wash away the smear on Kraft’s name in light of the ongoing turbulence.

With Belichick’s departing the franchise he helped revamp from scratch after more than 20 years, Mayo has some big shoes to fill. The recently retired star’s role comes as a welcome help to the new HC, and Matthew Slater is ready to take on his new leadership position.

Slater credits his special team success to Belichick

When it comes to players on the special teams, one thing you need to make peace with is missing out on the limelight. While Slater was technically the WR, most of his time was spent blocking kick returns for the team, which denied him much on-field action. Still, the UCLA product made a rock-solid name for himself in the league and retired as one of the most respected figures in the Patriots. And this success, the 38-year-old credits to his former coach and backbone of the franchise, Belichick.

Matthew Slater praised the former legend’s “unique” ability to choose the best players for each position, even the often overlooked spot of special teams. He further dedicated his long run in New England and prowess in special teams to his “perfect coach,” as per GQ. “I’m convinced that without Coach Belichick and his tutelage, I never would have played for as long as I did or had half the success that I did,” he said. “That was really a godsend. I was put in the perfect situation with a perfect coach who taught a philosophy that I really embraced.”

The Patriots stand at an important crossroads this offseason. With the third overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft, shifting of the HC reigns from Belichick to Mayo and Kraft under public scrutiny, Matthew Slater might be the calming factor the franchise needs.