Slater served the role of special assistant to the head coach on Jerod Mayo’s staff. It was his first coaching opportunity since retiring from the game of football. He had a historic career as one of the greatest special teams players of all time with the Patriots from 2008-2003, earning 10 Pro Bowl nominations in the process.

Former Patriots special-teamer Matthew Slater, a 10-time Pro Bowler during a 16-year career with the team before serving as special assistant to coach Jerod Mayo in 2024, will see his long-term tenure with the team end.