NFL Rumors: Former Giants HC Ben McAdoo Finalizing Patriots Contract as Assistant

Adam WellsFebruary 6, 2024

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Former New York Giants head coach Ben McAdoo is returning to the NFL on Jerod Mayo’s staff with the New England Patriots.

Per NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the Patriots are hiring McAdoo as an offensive assistant.

Albert Breer of The MMQB noted McAdoo and new offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt will work closely together after they previously spent time on the same staff with the Green Bay Packers from 2012 to ’13.

McAdoo sat out the 2023 season after he wasn’t brought back as offensive coordinator for the Carolina Panthers. He hasn’t spent more than one year with a club since his four-year stint with the Giants from 2014 to ’17, with him as head coach for the final two seasons.

Following his departure from the Giants, McAdoo was out of the NFL for two seasons. He returned to the league as quarterbacks coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2020 on Doug Marrone’s staff.

McAdoo was hired as a consultant for the Dallas Cowboys during the 2021 season.

The Patriots are reuniting several members of the mid-2010s Packers staff. Eliot Wolf, who was the director of pro personnel when Van Pelt and McAdoo were on the coaching staff, is entering his third season as New England’s director of scouting.

Mayo is doing a terrific job of surrounding himself with experienced NFL coaches going into his first season as a head coach. He promoted DeMarcus Covington, who has been with the team since 2017, to defensive coordinator.

McAdoo’s first year as a head coach with the Giants was a success. He led them to an 11-5 record and a postseason berth, but things spiraled out of control quickly. The Giants fired him midway through the 2017 season after a 2-10 start.

The Patriots are looking for improved play in 2024 after a disappointing season. They finished last in the AFC East for the first time since 2000 and lost 13 games for the first time in 31 years.