Ernie Adams, Bill Belichick's longtime advisor, will retire after 21 seasons with the Patriots

Ernie Adams, longtime confidant and colleague of Patriots coach Bill Belichick, is retiring. "The last 21 seasons with the New England Patriots have been extraordinary for me," Adams said Monday in a statement to the Globe. "I am fortunate to have been part of a team along with Bill Belichick, outstanding colleagues, patient owners, and a lot of great players. It is time for me to stop working and join the many wonderful fans who have been with us for this run."