Between the recent retirements of Dante Scarnecchia, Ivan Fears and Ernie Adams all within the past five years, just to name a few, the Patriots have suffered quite a bit of brain drain.
While Scarnecchia (offensive line coach) and Fears (running backs coach) had roles that were well-defined, Adams, who was listed as the “Football Research Director” was somewhat of a mystery.
Listening to former Patriots Vice President of Player Personnel Scott Pioli on the “Eye on Foxborough” podcast, Adams had a variety of roles, and was so good at his job, that he deserves serious consideration for the Patriots Hall of Fame.
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“Everyone talks about players, coaches, front office, Ernie Adams is more deserving for all the time he spent with Chuck Fairbanks there and with that staff, and all the years with the Patriots,” said Pioli, who currently works as an NFL Network analyst. “Ernie Adams was one of the most important people during those two decades of success with the Patriots and you can go back to when he was with Coach Fairbanks in the 70s.”
It’s certainly not out of the realm for Adams to gain induction. While most inductees into the Patriots Hall of Fame are nominated by a committee, team chairman and CEO Robert Kraft is also empowered to announce inductees as “lifelong contributors to the franchise.”
This year, Kraft tabbed Scarnecchia for induction. He could do the same for Adams.
As for how Adams contributed, he was essentially Bill Belichick’s right hand man. He scouted other teams, he was up in the press box tipping off Belichick when to challenge a play, he broke down tape, and so much more. In the media guide, it said his responsibilities included “researching special assignments for both the coaching staff and the personnel department.”
“He did so much of everything,” said Pioli. “If you talk about quarterback development, and having a hand in Tommy’s development … I knew who did the quarterback tapes for Tommy and when Matt Cassel had to come in. Ernie’s role and production for that organization is immeasurable.”
When Pioli started out in pro personnel and pro scouting, he worked with Adams in Cleveland in the early 90s, and learned quite a bit.
“I remember spending time with him, and talking with him and learning (about scouting) from him,” Pioli said. “Another person I learned a lot from was Steve Belichick, Bill’s dad. He was a coach, but he was also a scout. But Ernie was just terrific in everything he did.”
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