Patriots Hire Alex Van Pelt as Offensive Coordinator

The New England Patriots opt for experience in their hiring of former Cleveland Browns coach Alex Van Pelt as their new offensive coordinator.

At long last, the New England Patriots have their offenisve coordinator. 

In a surprise move, the Pats, per NFL Network, have hired former Cleveland Browns coordinator Alex Van Pelt for the position, rounding out the key coaching spots on the staff of new head coach Jerod Mayo.  

Newly-hired New England Patriots Offensive Coordinator Alex Van Pelt / Cred: USA Today Images

Van Pelt, 53, is a 10-year NFL veteran, having played quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills. He began his coaching career in NFL Europe as the quarterbacks coach for the Germany-based Frankfurt Galaxy. He made the transition to the NFL in 2006 with the Buffalo Bills where he spent one season as offenisve coordinator in 2009. Since 2020, Van Pelt has been the Browns offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach under head coach Kevin Stefanski. 

During his time in Cleveland, Van Pelt helped the Browns offense to compile some of its best numbers in franchise history. The team earned 408 total points in 2020, the second-most in team history and 396 points in 2023 (fifth-most) per Patriots Media Relations. 

Under Van Pelt, the Browns’ rushing game also finished in the top-10 in the NFL in three of his four seasons, including finishing third in 2016 and first in rushing average in 2021 with 5.1-yards per rush. The 2022 Cleveland team had the second-most scrimmage yards in franchise history with 6,200 yards.

Mayo’s 11? Patriots to Interview 2 New Candidates for Offensive Coordinator

Despite reportedly interviewing 11 candidates, Van Pelt’s name was not among them. However, his experience in coaching and developing quarterbacks, as well as his experience coaching numerous positions along the offense will be an asset to a young, yet promising coaching staff in New England. 

 

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