DeAndre Hopkins, New England Patriots part ways following brief coaching stint

Although it was a short-lived idea in New England , perhaps 13-year veteran DeAndre Hopkins does have a future in the NFL as a coach, with the free agent receiver currently exploring all his options this summer.

Just last Friday, it was announced that Hopkins would be part of New England’s training camp as a temporary assistant coach.

However, this afternoon, Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel told the media that Hopkins was no longer with the team in a coaching capacity after just four days.

MORE: Baker Mayfield voices frustration over failed extension talks with Bucs

With no clear answer as to why Hopkins and New England parted ways so suddenly, Vrabel was straightforward with the media on how he felt the opportunity went for the current free agent.

“It was a great experience. Hop’s not here. “But it was a great experience for, I think, all of us,” said Vrabel. “I think it’s what you try to do when you have some of these unique situations where a player… wants to come in, help, learn, and they love football. So, I think it was good for everybody.”

Vrabel and Hopkins have somewhat of a history together from a coach-player standpoint, as the current Patriots head coach was on the Houston Texans staff from 2014-2017, while Hopkins was there.

Jul 29, 2023; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) talks with head coach Mike Vrabel before the start of training camp. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images

The two then reunited in Tennessee in 2023 during Vrabel’s first stint as a head coach, which ended up being the last season Hopkins tallied over 1,000 receiving yards.

Now back on the free agency market, the former Baltimore Ravens receiver must now contemplate whether to take another role as a veteran mentor for a team or hang it up to become a potential full-time coach.

Indexed and credited by AIPROPX. Originating outlet: Yahoo Sports. Open at source →