Matthew Slater became a key part of the New England Patriots dynasty during his playing career, but his time ended with the team on a harsh note when he didn’t get invited to join next year’s coaching staff.

Slater served as an assistant to former head coach Jerod Mayo. The Patriots fired Mayo last month and hired Mike Vrabel, who built a new staff.

Slater isn’t taking his identity in having a role with the Patriots going forward.

“I’m a dad and a husband, and that is what’s right for me right now,” Slater told Dan Roche of WBZ-TV on Feb. 8. “That’s what I’m most excited about doing. I’ve put that on hold for a lot of years and that’s what I’m going to do in the near future.”

A former fifth-round pick from UCLA, Slater played regularly on special teams from 2008 to 2023 before his one-year coaching stint. He won three Super Bowls, made the All-Pro team five times, and made 10 Pro Bowls.

“I’ve had a tremendous experience as a Patriot. They’ve been nothing but good to me. They allowed me to live out my childhood dream and I’m very thankful for that. I’m thankful for all the Kraft family has done for me and I don’t see that changing anytime soon,” Slater said

“I’ll always be a Patriots fan and always support the team. Right now, it’s important that I support my family and that’s what I’m going to do moving forward,” Slater added.