Long-Time Patriots Special Teams Coach Announces His Retirement

Adam Vinatieri helped the New England Patriots win Super Bowls, and now the special teams coach who worked with him is retiring.

Brad Seely spent 10 seasons in the orgaization. He helped the Patriots win three Super Bowls. Seely left the Patriots in 2008, but his success still put him in the group of fellow assistant coaches such as Charlie Weis, Romeo Crennel and Dante Scarnecchia. Many would agree that Seely played a big role in the early-day dynasty.

Last week, he announced his decision to retire after 31 years in the NFL.

“I’ve been incredibly fortunate to spend over 30 years in the NFL coaching the game I love,” Seely said in a statement released by the Houston Texans. “I want to thank each and every coach, player and staff member I worked with from when I entered the league in 1989 until now. I’ve been blessed to be a part of some of the best organizations in professional sports and I will forever cherish the friendships and memories I’ve made around the league.”

Seely started his career as a graduate assistant at South Dakota State in 1978. He reached college ranks and then entered the league in 1989 as a member of the Indianapolis Colts. He spent some time with the New York Jets and Carolina Panthers and later joined the Patriots in 1999. Seely had a key role during the early days of the dynasty. He worked with his players and gave them a chance to make a combined five Pro Bowl selections and three first-team All-Pro nominations.

The Patriots special teams coach had a big role

After the 2008 season, Seely left the Patriots and joined Eric Mangini as assistant head coach and well as special teams coordinator with the Cleveland Browns. He had a stint with the San Francisco 49ers (2011-14) and then-Oakland Raiders (2015-17). Seely ends his professional career with a two-year stint with the Houston Texans.

Seely coached seven different players to 12 special teams Pro Bowl nods in other NFL teams. However, his stint in New England was the most successful of his career. He had a big role in the team and the Patriots nation respects him.