Patriots Continue Staff Rebuild By Hiring Offensive Line Coach
Though the major pieces are already in place, the New England Patriots continue to add to an offense in dire need of an extreme makeover.
According to the Boston Sports Journal, new head coach Jerod Mayo is adding another "rising star" to his staff with the hiring of former Carolina Panthers' assistant offensive line coach Robert Kugler.
Says BSJ's Mike Giardi:
"He is well-respected and is seen as a rising star who could be an offensive coordinator down the road."
Kugler's father, Sean, was the Buffalo Bills' offensive line coach when Van Pelt was the offensive coordinator.
Kugler, 31, was an assistant offensive line coach for the Houston Texans in 2021 before joining Carolina's staff. Prior to joining the NFL he coached at UT-El Paso, Washington and Appalachian State.
The Patriots had one of the worst offenses in franchise history in 2023. They were shut out at home (twice), were held to one touchdown or less in eight of 17 games and tied with the 2-15 Panthers for the fewest points scored in the league. Oh, and former franchise quarterback Mac Jones was benched for the final four games in favor of Bailey Zappe.
Defensive players such as Matthew Judon are just beginning to express their frustration at the offensive futility that led to a 4-13 season.
While keeping most of the Pats' defensive staff intact, Mayo is reconstructing the offensive coaches starting with the new coordinator Alex Van Pelt replacing Bill O'Brien.
A look at New England's offensive coaching staff:
Coordinator: Alex Van Pelt
Senior Assistant: Ben McAdoo
Quarterbacks: T.C. McCartney
Offensive Line: Scott Peters
OL Assistant: Robert Kugler
Running backs: TBD
Receivers: TBD
Tight ends: TBD
