http://www.kentontimes.com/localnews.html#CountyBy the Times staff
Dean Pees announced Thursday he will not renew his contract as defensive coordinator with the New England Patriots.
Pees, 60, is a native of Dola and a graduate of Hardin Northern High School.
"My contract with the New England Patriots will expire in a couple of weeks and I have informed Mr. Kraft and Coach Belichick that I will not seek to renew it,” Pees told ESPN. “I enjoyed my time in New England, but feel this is the right time to pursue other opportunities. I had the privilege of working with some great coaches and great players over the past six seasons and leave the Patriots with some wonderful memories that will last a lifetime. In addition to the players and coaching staff, I want to thank the Kraft family, the media and the fans for all of their support."
Pees came to the Patriot organization in 2004 after working as head coach of Kent State from 1998 to 2003. He worked as linebacker coach for two seasons before replacing Eric Mangini as defensive coordinator.
The Boston Globe is reporting Pees underwent prostate cancer surgery last summer and is now cancer-free, but has other medical concerns.
"It's time for my wife and I to just sit back now, and not commit to anything," Pees told the Globe. "I want to be fair to New England because of how well the Patriots have treated me. I had some reservations, and to be fair to everyone, this had to be done."
Attempts by the Times to reach Pees for comment before press time were unsuccessful.
(Refer to page 1 of today's Kenton Times)