The NEPSAC football world already has its first development of 2026.

Phillips Academy (Andover) confirmed to the Herald that Ernie Adams will be taking over as interim head coach of its football program.

Adams, a 1971 Phillips graduate, is known for his tenure with the New England Patriots as the organization’s former director of football research. He spent two separate stints with the franchise between 1975-1978 as an offensive assistant, and more notably between 2000-2021 in his latest role, during which the Patriots captured six Super Bowl titles. He was a close ally of legendary Patriots coach Bill Belichick, also a former Phillips alum.

Adams, who will turn 73 years old next month, had always kept ties to his alma mater, and his hiring was made official within the school’s athletic department Monday evening.

“Ernie certainly would say that the impact, and his connection to not only Andover football, but Phillips Academy is six decades long,” Phillips Academy athletic director Lisa Joel said. “So, for those who know Ernie, and Ernie himself, they would say a long journey took him here. He’s been involved with the football program for the last couple of years. For us, it just seemed like the right time, and the right opportunity for Ernie to accept the offer to spend this fall as the interim coach for the 2026 season.”

Ernie Adams, football research director for the New England Patriots, watches during NFL football practice, in Foxborough, Mass., in this Thursday, May 23, 2019 file photo. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File)

Adams was viewed as the eyes and ears for the Patriots during their dynastic run, performing his role primarily behind the scenes. Now, he will be roaming the sidelines at a school that has meant the world to him throughout much of his life.

Members of the program and its current athletes were elated when the news broke.

“They are so excited,” Joel said. “Who wouldn’t be? Ernie is a legend, with a legendary reputation and a brilliant football mind. I think what the kids really appreciate of course, is that they share that passion of football. They understand what he brings. But most of all, what he connects with them on, is that he understands it in the context of being an Andover student. I think the sum of all that is really thrilling for the kids and for their families. It seems like a really fantastic moment for the program.”