Report: Patriots coach blew up on team executive prior to taking leave

Aug 10, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; A New England Patriots helmet sits on the sideline during the first half against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

The New England Patriots have had serious issues along their offensive line this season, and it sounds like the position coach for the unit realized that early on.

Former Patriots offensive lineman Adrian Klemm was hired as the team’s O-line coach this season after interviewing for their offensive coordinator job. He has been away from the team since November for an undisclosed medical issue. Prior to his departure, Klemm reportedly had it out with a Patriots executive over the lack of talent on the roster.

According to Andrew Callahan and Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald, Klemm confronted Patriots director of player personnel Matt Groh earlier this season “in a loud exchange that reverberated through the organization.” Klemm reportedly “didn’t feel heard” and was not the only staffer who pointed his finger at decision-makers over roster issues.

Klemm is not expected to return to the Patriots next season, according to the Boston Herald.

It is unclear if Klemm’s leave was related to the reported issues he had with New England’s personnel people, but the 46-year-old’s tenure with the team seems to have unofficially ended.

The Patriots are 4-12 heading into their Week 18 game against the New York Jets. There is a growing belief that Bill Belichick will part ways with the team in the coming weeks. Now that the season is nearing its end, more and more stories are leaking out about the dysfunction that has existed behind the scenes in New England.