Alex Van Pelt’s fate apparently has been determined.
Van Pelt won’t be returning to the Patriots coaching staff, according to a report from MassLive’s Mark Daniels on Wednesday.
Van Pelt’s position hung in the balance ever since the Patriots fired head coach Jerod Mayo following their Jan. 5 season finale. Van Pelt’s standing came further into question Tuesday night when it was reported newly named head coach Mike Vrabel tabbed Josh McDaniels as New England’s offensive coordinator.
The ex-offensive coordinator was hired by Mayo last February after the Patriots reportedly offered the job to other candidates, including Los Angeles Rams assistant Nick Caley. Caley reportedly was offered a “very healthy” 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.
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Mayo seemed to throw Van Pelt under the bus after the team’s Week 15 loss against the Arizona Cardinals. Patriots president Jonathan Kraft also was captured on the broadcast expressing displeasure with Van Pelt’s offense.
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