Former Patriots linebacker Shea McClellin goes into high school coaching

Earlier this offseason, the New England Patriots parted ways with linebacker Shea McClellin. The 28-year old, who was released with a failed physical designation, missed the entire 2017 season after suffering what appears to be a serious concussion at one point during the preseason. While he was designated to return off the list in November, McClellin was never actually activated to the active roster due to a setback during practice.

Apparently, he was not ready to return to the field in March either which is why New England parted ways with him. The former first-round draft pick remains on the open market ever since but has found a new occupation: McClellin has joined Mountain View High School in Meridian, Idaho as an assistant linebackers coach, the team school announced earlier this week.

“I don’t like to pass up good opportunities, and it was a really good one,” the former Patriot and Chicago Bear told Dave Southorn of the Idaho Statesman. Despite his first coaching job, however, McClellin is not yet officially retired and still open to playing in the NFL again one day: “There’s always a chance I could play again, but it makes it easier to take since I know it’s medical reasons keeping me from it.”

Before returning to playing, McClellin of course needs to get medical clearance. But even if he does receive it and re-enters the NFL, it looks like he will return to coaching again one day: “I’ve always been drawn to coaching,” McClellin told Southorn. “I like to help people out.” Right now is his first opportunity to do that – and chances are it will not be his last.