REPORT: Longtime Patriots RB’s Coach Ivan Fears Expected To Retire

Robert Alvarez

1 year ago at 2:27 pm ET

Stew Milne - USA TODAY Sports

Another longtime member of the New England Patriots coaching staff is reportedly calling it a career very soon.

On Monday, ESPN Boston’s Mike Reiss reported that running back’s coach Ivan Fears is expected to announce his retirement from professional football.

“It should only be a matter of time before longtime Patriots running backs coach Ivan Fears announces his retirement after 31 NFL seasons and 25 with the Patriots,” Reiss wrote in his quick hits column Monday.

During his 25 seasons as a Patriots coach, Fears had two stints as wide receivers coach (1991-1992) (1999-2001) and became the running backs coach in 2002, a position he’s held ever since. During his tenure, Fears contributed to all six Patriots Super Bowl championships.

Prior to Reiss’ report, there were some hints that retirement was near for Fears, especially once this emotional embrace between Fears and Damien Harris was captured on camera.

Ivan Fears: “You’re a different man than you were when you walked in here, son!”

Damien Harris: “Yessir! All because of you. Thank you for everything.”

If this is it for Fears, he’ll retire as one of the most beloved Patriots assistants by his guys. pic.twitter.com/ivdg99am8A

— New England PatriotsNation™ (@PatsNationTM) January 18, 2022

Despite moving away from the NFL full time, Reiss said Fears could possibly do some “part-time work” for the Patriots.

Should Fears retire, he’ll become the third prominent member of Bill Belichick’s staff to call it a career in recent seasons, joining Dante Scarnecchia and Ernie Adams. Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels is also reportedly leaving Foxboro to become the next head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders.

To quote Bob Dylan, “The Times they are a-changin”.