The New England Patriots have a busy offseason coming up. Headlines surrounding top receivers like A.J. Brown and Alec Pierce, a potential extension for Christian Gonzalez, and the release of Stefon Diggs have garnered more attention, but the Patriots have made some quieter moves as of late that should secure their future.
While the majority of the offseason's excitement will come via players' extensions, special teams coordinator Jeremy Springer was inked to a two-year extension last week. While special teams doesn't often get highlighted as a hallmark of exciting football, New England's unit is an exception.
Rookie kicker Andy Borregales, despite some inconsistency, had a game-winning kick this season, and the team totaled four return touchdowns (Antonio Gibson kick return, three Marcus Jones punt returns).
The unit's overall success over the last season was a welcome continuation from the Belichick era. Aside from his extension, Springer impressively remained with the team in 2025 despite originally being hired by Jerod Mayo for the role in 2024.
Famous offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia remained with New England from 1982 to 2019, serving in various roles aside from a brief two-season stint with the Colts. Perhaps Springer could make a name for himself in a similar vein.
Extending Jeremy Springer is huge for New England special teams
The Patriots are one of the very few teams that drafted each of their kicker, punter, and long snapper. Key contributors on the unit, like Brenden Schooler and Dell Pettus, also got their starts in the NFL with the Patriots.
Borregales has had some struggles with consistency, as mentioned, but he finished 27/31 on field goals and perfect on extra points after missing a 40-yarder and two point-afters in the first two weeks.
Bryce Baringer was generally solid this season, but his end-of-season woes could see the team bring in competition. New England's only real hiccup late in the season was a failed fake punt attempt against the Ravens.
The first two weeks were admittedly a trying time for Springer's unit. Aside from Borregales' three missed kicks, Miami's Malik Washington also returned a punt for a touchdown in Week 2. Nonetheless, they no doubt found their feet and quickly became one of the league's best units.
Jeremy Springer, who started his NFL career in 2022 with the Rams after spending a decade in the college circuit, has carved out an impressive role for himself with the Patriots and has become one of the league's best special teams coordinators.
While it is rare for coaches to move from special teams to head coaching, the Harbaugh brothers and New England's own Joe Judge both managed it. A head coaching position could be in Springer's future, but for now, the team gets two more seasons.