Adrian Klemm is arriving to the Patriots’ coaching staff with high praise.
Steelers offensive lineman Kelvin Beachum played under Klemm for two seasons while he was Pittsburgh’s assistant offensive line coach, and credits the former Patriot with playing a sizable role in his development.
“He taught me how to punch. The way I strike, it comes from the way Adrian taught me. He's like my older brother, so I’m a little biased,” he told ESPN’s Mike Reiss.
The Patriots hired Klemm last week, joining coordinator Bill O’Brien as part of a revamped offensive staff.
Klemm also coached Beachum at Southern Methodist University, where he was for four seasons before moving onto UCLA. After spending four years at UCLA, Klemm took a hiatus from coaching before joining the Steelers’ staff in 2019.
“He loves the game, but at the same time preaches violence,” said Beachum. “A lot of the things he teaches are the principles he learned when playing for [Patriots assistant coach] Dante Scarnecchia.”
Klemm, who was Bill Belichick’s first ever draft pick in New England, played for the Patriots from 2000-04, winning three Super Bowls. He wrapped up his NFL career in Green Bay.
His coaching resume includes one blemish: a two-year stint with the Steelers. Reiss reports that Klemm didn’t jive with Steelers offensive coordinator Matt Canada, who was hired in 2021.
Klemm has been at Oregon for the last two seasons.
NFL offensive lineman Xavier Su’a-Filo, who played for Klemm at UCLA, says he can relate to players on and off the field.
“Even after playing for him -- it's been almost 10 years now -- he's always been a resource for me. He's a mentor and a friend and I'm able to talk to him about anything, not just relating to football,” he said.
Klemm’s personal skills should be welcome in Foxborough, given the apparent issues that players had with Matt Patricia and Joe Judge.
The Patriots’ coaching staff needed a facelift, and Klemm seems to be a big part of that.