As the New England Patriots gear up for their 2025 training camp, there’s a palpable sense of anticipation around Gillette Stadium. The first wave of players, including rookies, quarterbacks, and rehabbing veterans, have reported, with the full roster expected to join by Tuesday. Fans can look forward to the team’s initial practice of the summer on Wednesday, setting the stage for what’s sure to be an intriguing season ahead.
In conjunction with the start of training camp, the Patriots have unveiled an updated media guide that reveals several staff changes, painting a picture of a franchise fine-tuning its operations as it looks to bounce back in the new season. Let’s dive into the most noteworthy updates.
Strength and Conditioning
Brandon Martuccio and Dexter Taylor will continue their roles as strength and conditioning assistants for the Patriots in 2025. This continuity is a testament to new head coach Mike Vrabel’s decision to maintain the existing strength staff, preserving the work done by his predecessor, Jerod Mayo. The primary shift comes with Frank Piraino stepping into the leadership role as the director of sports performance, ensuring the team remains committed to physical excellence.
Player Personnel Moves
Casey Belongia
In what could have been a surprising offseason for Casey Belongia, he not only stuck around but earned a promotion. Moving from his position as a midwest area scout, he has now taken on the role of national scout overseeing the western region, succeeding Tony Kinkela, who has transitioned to the role of college scouting director. Belongia’s journey with the Patriots began last season after a decade with the Jacksonville Jaguars, and this new position is a clear vote of confidence in his skills.
Matt Evans
Matt Evans is another name moving up the ranks. After four seasons as the national scout for the east region, he steps into the position of assistant director of college scouting. This means he’ll be right alongside Kinkela as they shape the future of the team through the college draft.
Justin Hickman
Justin Hickman continues his tenure with the Patriots as he shifts from northeast area scout to midwest area scout, stepping into the role previously held by Belongia. As he embarks on his fifth season, Hickman’s adaptability will be essential as he navigates a new landscape.
J.T. Hill
Year four with the Patriots brings a new challenge for J.T. Hill, who swaps his role as west area scout for the southeast area scout position, following the departure of Josh Hinch. This change signals the team’s dynamic approach to scouting, emphasizing versatility among their personnel.
Joe McDonald
The Patriots have added to their staff roster with two individuals named Joe McDonald. The first joined as a senior analyst last season, while the second has been brought on as a scouting assistant, fresh from a stint as a position coach at Tufts. This unique situation could lead to some interesting dynamics within the scouting department.
Marshall Oium
Marshall Oium’s evolving role continues as he becomes the director of scouting projects this year. Oium has a rich history with the team and his progression through the ranks—from pro scout to assistant director of scouting—highlights his deepening involvement in the organization.
Landon Simpson & Bryson Speas
Landon Simpson, who joined as a scouting assistant last year, has moved upward to the area scout position for the west. Meanwhile, Bryson Speas transitions from scouting assistant to northeast area scout, taking over the responsibilities from Hickman.
Beyond these personnel updates, former scouting assistant Maya Ana Callender is no longer with the Patriots, indicating a shift in the team’s scouting landscape.
Football Operations
The football operations department has also seen significant transitions. James Mitchell joins the Patriots as the director of player development, bringing with him a wealth of experience from his time in Tennessee where he worked alongside Vrabel. His past roles and heartfelt approach to player development are expected to resonate well in New England.
Brianna Avedisian, coming from the Nashville Soccer Club, has taken on the role of IT manager for football operations—an important figure in the modern analytics-focused landscape of the game.
Additionally, the Patriots have bid farewell to key figures such as executive vice president of football operations Robyn Glaser and director of player development Chris Mattes, both of whom have made their mark on the team. The departures extend to the likes of football operations coordinator Aturo Adkins and longstanding IT specialist Dan Famosi, who has been with the organization since its six Super Bowl victories.
Finally, it’s worth noting that Josh Kraft, son of owner Robert Kraft, has stepped back from his positions, including his role on the board of directors and head of the New England Patriots Foundation, to pursue a run for mayor of Boston. This temporary shift in focus could have ripple effects within the organization as the team navigates changes in leadership.
As the Patriots prepare for training camp, the wave of changes in their organizational structure reflects a franchise committed to adaptation and success. It’s an exciting time to be a fan, as this new-look squad sets its sights on crafting a competitive season.
