Adrian Klemm Reportedly Rejoining New England Patriots, 23 Years After Being Drafted By Bill Belichick

Bill Belichick’s first draft pick as head coach of the New England Patriots is on track to return in a different capacity 23 years later.

The organization plans to add Adrian Klemm to its offensive staff, with a pay raise expected with his move back to the NFL, as reported Monday by ESPN’s Pete Thamel.

Klemm, 45, was selected by New England in the second round of the 2000 draft at No. 46 overall. The University of Hawaii product won three Super Bowls during his playing career, which included 18 starts through 42 games and concluded with the Green Bay Packers.

Roles as a graduate assistant, offensive line coach and recruiting coordinator at Southern Methodist followed for Klemm under his final college coach, June Jones, from 2008 through 2011. The Los Angeles native then moved on to UCLA from 2012 through 2016 as offensive line coach, run-game coordinator and later associate head coach. And in 2019, he joined the Pittsburgh Steelers and was promoted from assistant offensive line coach to offensive line coach in 2021.

However, Klemm’s exit was granted with two games remaining that December for a spot on the University of Oregon’s staff. The ex-tackle and guard would serve as the O-line coach, associate head coach and run-game coordinator for the incoming Dan Lanning while in Eugene.

Capped off by a 28-27 Holiday Bowl comeback win, Oregon finished last campaign with a 10-3 record and atop the FBS with just five sacks allowed for a combined 24 yards lost. Additionally, while ranking near the top in terms of fewest tackles for loss allowed, only 11 programs ranked ahead in rushing offense.

On the ground, the Ducks scored 34 touchdowns in the process of averaging 5.52 yards per carry and 215.8 yards per game.

In January, the Patriots interviewed Klemm as part of the team’s offensive coordinator search before ultimately hiring Bill O’Brien, who previously held that title in addition to quarterbacks coach back in 2011. But a second meeting was scheduled last week at the East-West Shrine Bowl in Las Vegas, according to TheMMQB’s Albert Breer.

Turnover has continued on that side of the ball since then, with Will Lawing’s reported arrival preceding Nick Caley’s reported departure to become the Los Angeles Rams’ next tight ends coach.

In 2022, New England’s offensive line was overseen by senior football advisor Matt Patricia along with assistant Billy Yates, a former NFL teammate of Klemm’s. By the 8-9 year’s end, 41 sacks had been conceded while the rushing attack averaged 4.3 yards per attempt with 12 touchdowns.