New England Patriots: 16 most important Patriots during their dynasty

By Brian Hines | Nov 2, 2017

FOXBORO, MA - OCTOBER 29: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots talks with Tom Brady #12 during the fourth quarter of a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Gillette Stadium on October 29, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images) /

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IRVING, TX – OCTOBER 14: A view of the New England Patriots helmet taken before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Texas Stadium on October 14, 2007 in Irving, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

9. Dante Scarnecchia

The Ringers Rank: 6

Other than a short two-year retirement from 2013-2016, Dante Scarnecchia has been with the Patriots since 2000. Position coaches have come and gone, but Scar has been a constant.

Scarnecchia has long been in charge of coaching the group that protects Brady and has helped shape the careers of many young linemen. He turned Stephen Neal from a college wrestler into a key, seven-year starter. Shall Mason and Marcus Cannon also saw serious improvement in their game since Scarnecchia returned from retirement.

"“His attention to detail, that’s what separates him from other coaches,” former Patriots’ lineman Damien Woody says. “He doesn’t miss anything. Your hand placement, your feet, any little thing that’s not to where he wants it, it was just not acceptable.”"

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