Troy Brown, Matthew Slater given official titles on Patriots’ coaching staff

Brown was previously the team’s wide receivers coach, working in that role for the previous three seasons. However, the entire offensive coaching staff was remade during the offseason when Mayo hired Alex Van Pelt to be the team’s offensive coordinator.

Tyler Hughes was hired from the University of Washington to be the wide receivers coach. Former Patriots receiver Tiquan Underwood was hired from the University of Pittsburgh to serve as the assistant receivers coach.

With Brown being replaced as wide receivers coach, there was some uncertainty over whether he’d remain in New England. Jerod Mayo told reporters in February that Brown would be on his staff, though he said the situation was “still pretty fluid.” However, Brown was reportedly a candidate to become the wide receivers coach at Arizona State in April.

Brown has worked with the Patriots’ returners since his come back to the team in 2020 as well. Marcus Jones credited Brown with helping him as a returner when he was a rookie in 2022.

As for Slater, Mayo provided some details on what he’s expected to do when he spoke with reporters at rookie minicamp in May.

“He is an advisor for me on all things football, and honestly, the things off the field,” Mayo said. “He is a very smart individual and I would say we see most things the same way. And at the same time, I know he is a guy that will be honest with me. Once you put the head coach hat on, it is hard to find people that are honest with you.”

Slater retired from playing football following the 2023 season, but was back around the team shortly after. He reportedly greeted players when they returned for offseason workouts in the spring.

“As long as I get to bounce some knowledge off of him and see him around the locker room, having Slate in the locker room, he uplifted spirits and always knew what to say,” Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers told reporters in April of Slater. “I’m definitely happy we kept him in the building.”