Despite the team not having made an announcement yet, Ivan Fears’ retirement can now be called official. Speaking with Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald, the New England Patriots’ long-time running backs coach confirmed previous speculation that he will not be on the sidelines with the team for the 2022 season.
That does not mean he won’t still help out, though. Fears, who was spotted watching organized team activities and the first day of mandatory minicamp from the bleachers, is apparently still offering “tidbits” of information based on his observations.
The 67-year-old did apparently not dismiss being called a running backs consultant, and he would not be the first former assistant coach to serve in such a capacity.