AP Photo/Michael Townson

Jerod Mayo’s first staff in New England is rounding into form with three more additions this weekend. 

According to the Boston Sports Journal, the Patriots are working on finalizing a deal to bring on former Carolina Panthers assistant offensive line coach Robert Kugler to their staff.

After playing collegiately at Purdue and one year with the Buffalo Bills, Kugler retired and entered the coaching ranks. He coached at Appalachian State as a grad assistant and was the tight ends coach at UTEP. 

He then entered the NFL in 2021 working as an assistant offensive line coach with the Houston Texans. Kugler has worked with Carolina’s offensive line the past two seasons.

New outside linebackers coach Drew Wilkins is a familiar face to Patriots outside linebacker Matthew Judon. The 36 year old spent 12 seasons in Baltimore, working for John Harbaugh and under former Ravens and Giants defensive coordinator Wink Martindale. Wilkins followed Martindale to New York, coaching for the Giants the past two seasons. 

Wilkins brings a lot of experience to the defensive staff but he is still a young coach so he fits with what Mayo is looking for in terms of energy and passion.

The Patriots are reportedly hiring former wide receiver Tiquan Underwood as the assistant wide receivers coach. The 36 year old Underwood played for the Patriots in 2011 and would be returning to work for Mayo, a former teammate. 

Underwood began his coaching career as receivers coach at Lafayette. He then coached with the Miami Dolphins before returning to his alma mater, Rutgers. In 2022, Underwood joined Pat Narduzzi’s staff at Pitt as the wide receivers coach and passing game coordinator.

Now Underwood is expected to return to the NFL and be a part of a revamped offensive staff in New England.