After 34 seasons with the New England Patriots, offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia is calling it quits.
The Patriots will have a tremendous void to fill, but they have time to figure out a replacement. Robert Kraft, Bill Belichick and Tom Brady made sure pay respects to man that kept the offense’s foundation strong. New England doesn’t typically carry the most talented offensive line, but Scarnecchia always found a way to make it work.
Kraft released a statement shortly after Scarnecchia announced his retirement.
“Dante Scarnecchia has been unbelievable in every way. As a coach, he was extraordinarily talented at teaching his players and bringing the most out of each of them,” Kraft said. “Dante put everything he had into helping his players achieve their maximum potential — the mark of a great coach. His contributions to our team and to the game of football are unprecedented over the last four decades. Yet even more remarkable is the impact Dante has had on countless players, coaches and staff members who have walked through our doors.
“He modeled the principles he believed in through his hard work, diligence and integrity. He held himself accountable. He trained alongside his players. He treated everyone with respect. There truly is no way to sum up the incredible career he’s had, the positive impact he’s made on our franchise or how much he will be missed. We are forever grateful for Dante and wish him the absolutely best in his next chapter, along with his lovely wife Susan and his family. The New England Patriots are better because of Dante Scarnecchia, and he will always have a home with us.”
Belichick followed up with a thoughtful comment.
“It was a privilege to coach with Dante for so long,” Belichick said. “I knew that long before his initial retirement and throughout a second act of continued excellence. Dante is among the very best assistant coaches ever.”
Brady commented on the Patriots’ Instagram post, showing his respect for the pivotal assistant coach.
Tom Brady on Dante Scarnecchia: “Couldn’t have been a greater man or coach! What a privilege to play and work with Dante for two decades. The definition of the Patriot Way — consistent and dependable EVERY DAY!!” pic.twitter.com/haMS35aMiw
— Zack Cox (@ZackCoxNESN) January 28, 2020
Scarnecchia, 71, was the longest-tenured coach in 2019 and he’s spent the most time as a coach in New England’s history. He’ll go down as one of the greatest assistant coaches ever.
The Patriots have lost Scarnecchia, Joe Judge and Bret Bielema from the coaching staff so far this offseason.
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