Sony Michel Praises Patriots Coach, Who Reportedly Is Set To Retire

New England Patriots running backs coach Ivan Fears will retire in the near future. Several reports have confirmed this information. Mike Reiss from ESPN was among the first to report that Fears is expected to call it career.

According to Reiss, it’s a matter of time before the legend announces his retirement. It doesn’t mean that Fears will leave the team completely. He may still get “some part-time work” for the Patriots.

Fears is the longest-tenured coach in New England. He has a longer tenure than Bill Belichick. The 67-year-old has been a coach in the NFL for 31 seasons. He spent 25 years with the Patriots. Fears became the Patriots’ running backs coach in 2002. Oh, yes, he helped the Patriots win six Super Bowls. Fears’ current stint began in 1999. He was there when Belichick arrived in New England.

Patriots head coach Belichick has great words for Fears. He said that Fears is “the ultimate team player,” adding that he is one of the most unselfish people he has ever met. Fears works really hard and enjoys coaching. His love for the game made him a good fit for the Patriots coaching staff. Fears followed the pattern and he will be missed.

Patriots coach to retire after winning a lot of games with the Patriots

Sony Michel had the opportunity to work with Fears. When asked about his relationship with his former head coach, Fears delivered great comments.

“He meant a lot,” Michel said of Fears. “A guy that invested so much into me and the rest of the running backs. A father figure, somebody that was there that we can lean on. It was great to have him around.”

Running back Brandon Bolden once said Fears is like a father/grandfather figure to players. “I love him to death,” he added.

A lot of players would agree with Bolden on this one. Fears is an icon and his great experience is a true inspiration for young players/coaches out there.

Head coach Belichick will be really busy in the offseason. Josh McDaniels left the team to be the head coach for the Las Vegas Raiders. The Patriots will need to fill up the voids on their crew.