The New England Patriots under long-time head coach Bill Belichick have never been opposed to bringing former players back into the fold, either as players or members of their coaching staff. Under his successor, Jerod Mayo, this practice seems to be continuing both on and off the field.
There is one notable ex-Patriot Mayo was unable to bring back into the fold. Former safety and team captain Devin McCourty was not willing to make the transition into coaching one year after announcing his retirement.
“He tried to get me to coach. That’s his thing with all the older guys.