Devlin to the Patriots coach staff?

On April 27, 2020, James Devlin retired from football after a serious neck injury ended his 2019 season.  Devlin gave a goodbye note and it was thought that everyone had seen the last of James Devlin. However after retiring Devlin was asked about life after playing. Here's what he had to say.

“I’m considering any kind of possibility that kind of comes my way,” Develin said when asked about his life after football, via NBC Sports’ Pro Football Talk. “It would be an honor to be able to continue to provide support for the team, albeit in a different way. But I have an innate sense in me that I have to kind of give back to this game that gave me so much. Any kind of capacity that I can do that in is something I’d be interested in doing…“I’ve been playing for 25 years and I know a lot about the game, I’ve been through a lot of experiences within the game, so I think that there’s a certain level of knowledge that I have that I can pass on to the next generation of players, wherever that may be. Being able to help people in general is always something that I look onto fondly. Being able to do that and also contribute to the game of football, it’s definitely something that I’m considering.” - source Joseph Nocco clutch point's article James Devlin explains how he wants to "give back" to football.

The Patriots have had a revolving door with their coaching staff over the last few years. Most notable departures are Matt Patricia head coach of Detroit, Brian Flores, head coach of Miami, Joe Judge head coach of the Giants, and Donte Scarnecchia who they lost to retirement. 

The Patriots currently have an opening for a defensive line coach, a position Devlin played in college. Ivan Fears running back coach is 64 and getting up in age. Learning the job from Fears, would be Ideal for Devlin. Nick Caley could also use the help developing tight ends, as their production has been in decline. Devlin, who had been referred to in the Past as an H-Back could help improve blocking techniques. 

Devlin would be an asset to the Patriots should they bring him on. Former Patriots receiver Troy Brown was working with the Patriots last season as an assistant coach, and Jarod Mayo is the teams current linebacker coach. Belichick doesn't have an issue in bringing back former players, if they are smart enough to do the job.  Could we see James Devlin in a polo or hoodie on the Patriots sideline in the near future?

In Memory Of James Devlin's Career.

On April 27, 2020 James Devlin career passed away. Devlin had been recovering from a serious neck injury that brought an end to his 2019 season. This was Devlin's second major injury.

During his NFL life, Devlin compiled 5 touchdowns and 26 yards on 15 carries.  He also caught 222 yards on 31 receptions.

Devlin was know for his old school blocking and had been the best of the remaining fullbacks in the league. Devlin was a key part to the run game of the superbowl 53 season.  Devlin was a 7 year pro.

Devlin is survived by Jakob Johnson who filled in for Devlin last season. Devlin may also survived by new comers Danny Vitale and  rookie Dalton "Rambo" Keene.  

Devlin left Patriots Nation with some parting words to ease our loss. While Devlin will be hard to replace, he would want the Patriots to say one more time, "Next Man Up !"

While Devlin's off enjoying retirement, Here are Devlin's final words as a Patriot.

Patriots Nation as we mourn the loss of our long time fullback,  we're off to OTAs. LFG! We'll see James again when he enters the Patriots hall.