The New England Patriots have announced that assistant head and offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia will retire after a career which has spanned over three decades.

Scarnecchia has been with the Patriots since 1991, although this is his second spell with the franchise after seven seasons spent with the team during the 1980s.

In his two years away from New England, he served as an offensive line coach with the Indianapolis Colts.

Of Scarnecchia's retirement, Patriots chairman and chief executive officer Robert Kraft told their official website: "He has been the only coaching constant since I purchased the team in 1994. And not coincidentally, he retires as the only coach to have been a part of all seven Super Bowl teams in Patriots franchise history.

"I want to thank Dante for his leadership, professionalism and always putting the team first. He was a coach who always stressed technique and fundamentals and helped players reach their full potential. He didn't demand respect from his players but he earned it.

"At training camp, his colorful, constructive, coaching critiques made him a fan favorite. His presence on the Patriots sidelines will be missed by our coaches, players and fans alike."

Head coach Bill Belichick has named former New York Jets offensive line coach Dave DeGuglielmo as Scarnecchia's replacement for the 2014 season.