Report: Dante Scarnecchia Helping Patriots Prepare Through NFL Draft

BOSTON (CBS) -  It appears, at the moment anyway, that Dante Scarnecchia is taking a brief retirement from his retirement.

Scarnecchia, the Patriots former offensive line coach and assistant head coach, called it a career at the conclusion of the 2013 season after 32 seasons in the NFL, 30 of which came in New England (1982-88, 1991-2013).

However, according to Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald, Scarnecchia is in Indianapolis helping the Patriots scout players at the Combine, and his duties will continue through the 2015 NFL Draft (April 30 - May 2).

Howe notes that Scarnecchia helped the Patriots in the draft last year too. Scar's college connections led New England to draft Bryan Stork and Cameron Fleming, both key contributors to the Super Bowl XLIX-winning Patriots.

While he's no longer roaming the sidelines, it's clear Scarnecchia still has a positive presence on the team.

Scarnecchia coached in 18 of the franchise's 22 playoff seasons, as well as 39 of the 46 playoff games in franchise history, including seven of the eight Super Bowls. He was succeeded by Dave DeGuglielmo.

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• New England Patriots
• NFL Combine