Matthew Slater breaks silence after losing coaching job with Patriots
Former New England Patriots special teams captain Matthew Slater, who served as an assistant coach last season, opened up about not returning on Mike Vrabel's new coaching staff in 2025.
Slater spent the 2024 season as an advisor to former Patriots coach Jerod Mayo. He rejoined the Patriots after a decorated playing career that saw him become one of the greatest special team gunners of all time.
He won three Super Bowls and made ten Pro Bowls, establishing himself as the cornerstone of the Patriots special teams operation. The legendary special teamer held that role from 2008-2023 before officially announcing his retirement.
'I've had a tremendous experience as a Patriot. They've been nothing but good to me,' Slater told WBZ-TV's Dan Roche, via Matt Geagan of WBZ News. 'They allowed me to live out my childhood dream and I'm very thankful for that. I'm thankful for all the Kraft family has done for me and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
'I'll always be a Patriots fan and always support the team. Right now, it's important that I support my family and that's what I'm going to do moving forward.'
Slater will always hold a place in Patriots history as one of the most dominant players at his position. Furthermore, he will also hold a place as a true captain and locker room leader during his time with the organization.
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