Slater served as an assistant to former head coach Jerod Mayo. The Patriots fired Mayo last month and hired Mike Vrabel, who built a new staff. Slater isn't taking his identity in having a role with the Patriots going forward.

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.