Former New England Patriots Coach Dante Scarnecchia Honored By PFWA
 Dante Scarnecchia was honored by the PFWA as one of the three winners of the "Dr.Z" Award given to assistant NFL coaches for lifetime acheivement. (SBalestrieri Images) |
Former Patriots offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia was honored by the Professional Football Writers of America as one of three winners of the “Dr. Z” Award named after former SI writer Paul Zimmerman.
The award is given for lifetime achievement in the NFL for assistant coaches. This year’s group includes former Steelers and now Titans assistant Dick LeBeau and former Colts and now Cardinals assistant Tom Moore.
Zimmerman wrote for Sports Illustrated for 29 years as their lead NFL writer before several strokes left him disabled. His “Thinking Man’s Guide for Pro Football” is considered the bible for young aspiring writers covering the league.
Scarnecchia, retired from coaching after the 2013 season after 30 seasons with the Patriots and 32 in the NFL. However, he’s been far from invisible in his retirement. Coach Scar has been a key figure in the Patriots in the last two NFL drafts for the Pats scouting and working out numerous players along the offensive line.
His scouting and close relationship with the Florida State coaching staff was considered a key reason why the team added Center Brian Stork in 2014 and Guard Tre’ Jackson this spring. Scarnecchia also worked out Guard Shaq Mason this year, who the Patriots also drafted this spring.
In the press release for Scarnecchia’s award the PFWA wrote: “He entered the NFL ranks with the Patriots as tight ends/special teams coach (1982-88) and moved to Indianapolis as the Colts’ offensive line coach (1989-90). He returned to New England as the Patriots’ tight ends/special teams coach (1991-92) and worked as special assistant (1993-94), defensive assistant/linebackers (1995-96), special teams coach (1997-98), offensive line coach (1999) and assistant head coach/offensive line (2000-13). His work with the Patriots helped protect quarterback Tom Brady during three Super Bowl-winning seasons in 2001, 2003 and 2004. Scarnecchia coached in the first seven Super Bowls the Patriots were involved in (XX, XXXI, XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX, XLII and XLVI).”
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