New England Patriots special assistant to the head coach history

Matt Slater

Slater is the special assistant to the head coach for the New England Patriots since the 2024 season. Slater's record as the team's special assistant to the head coach was 3-12-0, making him the second-most successful special assistant to the head coach in New England Patriots history.

John Polonchek

Polonchek was the special assistant to the head coach for the New England Patriots in the 1975-1980, 1985-1990 seasons, a total of twelve years. Polonchek's record as the team's special assistant to the head coach was 98-87-0, making him the most successful special assistant to the head coach in New England Patriots history. The team made it to the playoffs four times (1976, 1978, 1985-1986) and had a 3-4 record under Coach Polonchek in playoff games. In 1985, the New England Patriots faced off against the Chicago Bears in Super Bowl XX and the Patriots, under the direction of head coach Raymond Berry, lost 10-46.


New England Patriots special assistant to the head coach record

Coach Years Record Win percentage Playoff record
Matt Slater 2024 3-12-0 20.0% 0-0
John Polonchek 1975-1980, 1985-1990 98-87-0 53.0% 3-4

New England Patriots special assistant to the head coach facts

  • John Polonchek was the first special assistant to the head coach in Patriots history in 1975.
  • John Polonchek coached the most seasons as the Patriots's special assistant to the head coach at twelve seasons.
  • Matt Slater is the current special assistant to the head coach, starting ahead of the 2024 season.