New England Patriots - NESN.com
Alex Van Pelt won’t be returning to the Patriots coaching staff, according to MassLive’s Mark Daniels.
Van Pelt’s position hung in the balance ever since the Patriots fired first-year head coach Jerod Mayo following their regular-season finale. Van Pelt’s standing further came into question Tuesday night when it was reported the newly-named head coach Mike Vrabel tabbed Josh McDaniels as New England’s offensive coordinator.
Van Pelt was hired by Mayo last January after the Patriots reportedly offered the job to other candidates, including Los Angeles Rams assistant Nick Caley. Caley reportedly was offered a respectable contract from the Patriots, but opted to stay in LA.
Van Pelt was credited for his development of rookie quarterback Drake Maye, far and away his biggest contribution during the campaign. The veteran assistant, who entered New England with limited play-calling experience, came under fire for his play-calling missteps throughout the 2024 season.
Mayo seemed to throw Van Pelt under the bus after the team’s loss against the Arizona Cardinals. Patriots president Jonathan Kraft also was captured on the broadcast expressing displeasure with Van Pelt’s offense.
