Dante Scarnecchia Makes Statement Following His Retirement

Offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia confirmed his retirement. Scarnecchia announced his decision Tuesday. This isn’t his first retirement, but it looks like it will be his last departure from New England.

“I’m going to be 72 in a few weeks, it feels like it’s time,” Scarnecchia said. “You never know what to expect in this crazy business and it’s been an unbelievable four years.”

He returned at the request of Patriots head coach Bill Belichick. His first retirement came in 2016. The offensive line coach has been back on the sideline since 2016 while the past season was his 36^th season in the league and 34^th with the Patriots.

“An unbelievable career. To coach 48 seasons of football, it’s been unbelievable and I never would’ve expected anything remotely close to this. I’ve been extremely blessed for 1,000 different reasons. I’ll give you three: Robert Kraft, Bill Belichick and Tom Brady. To have those stars all in alignment, it’s been unbelievable. To just be able to share in it has been great.”

He was a member of the Patriots coaching staff for five of the team’s six Super Bowl wins. His return in 2016 helped boost Tom Brady’s offensive line protection and resulted in another two titles.

Belichick and Patriots owner Robert Kraft released statements on Dante Scarnecchia retirement. TB12 reacted to his retirement, too.

Dante Scarnecchia addresses on his retirement decision.

This retirement laves another hole in the Patriots’ coaching staff. They have just lost one of the best coaches in the league. Head coach Belichick and the rest of the organization will have to solve this problem.

In his statement, Kraft said that Scarnecchia has been “unbelievable in every way.” Kraft praised his talent and his teaching skills. The offensive line coach was able to pull the best out of every player.

Dante used everything he could to help players reach his full potential. That’s what makes him a great coach. Scarnecchia’s contribution to the team will last for decades. His talent has had an impact on countless players, coaches and staff members. “He modeled the principles he believed in through his hard work, diligence and integrity. He held himself accountable.”