The Patriots will need to hire a new tight ends coach after Brian Ferentz left New England on Saturday to join Iowa's staff.
Ferentz, the son of Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz, will serve as the Hawkeyes' offensive line coach.
Ferentz had been with the Patriots since 2008, when he was hired as a scouting assistant. He was an offensive coaching assistant in 2009 and 2010 before taking the tight end responsibilities in 2011, when he helped guide Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez to one of the most successful seasons in history.
Ferentz, who was Iowa's captain as an offensive lineman in 2005, is believed to have a high ceiling in coaching. He's got a strong pedigree and was well-respected on Bill Belichick's staff.
Belichick and Kirk Ferentz have been close friends for years. Ferentz served as Belichick's offensive line coach in Cleveland from 1993-95.
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