Muskingum alumnus and New England cornerback coach Josh Boyer ('00) helped coach the Patriots to a historic comeback win in Super Bowl LI on Sunday night. The championship is his second with New England.
The Patriots defense slowed down the high-powered Falcons in the second half allowing just 167 total yards of offense, while New England scored 31 unanswered points to cap off the history-making victory. Cornerback Logan Ryan led the Patriot defensive effort with a team-best tying six tackles.
Boyer captured his first Super Bowl win with the Patriots in 2015 following a victory-saving interception by free agent Malcolm Butler. Earlier that season, Boyer extended a try out to the undrafted Butler who ultimately changed the course of Super Bowl XLIX.
Boyer, a member of the Muskingum Class of 2000 was a scholar-athlete who earned his Bachelor of Science degree magna cum laude in Physical Education and Health. He lettered as a four-year starter for the Fighting Muskies, was an Ohio Athletic Conference selection as a senior defensive back, and was a two-time Academic All-Conference selection. He was a member of three national honorary societies: Beta Beta Beta (biology), Omicron Delta Kappa (academic honorary for juniors and seniors), and the Order of Omega (academic honorary for members of Greek societies). The Heath, Ohio native was also active in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Intramurals, and Phi Kappa Tau fraternity.
Boyer joined the Patriots staff in 2006, serving first as a coaching assistant for three seasons, then as defensive backs coach for three seasons, and has now just completed his fifth season as cornerbacks coach. He began his coaching career in 2000 as an assistant coach at King's College (PA), and also coached at the University of Dayton, Kent State, Bryant University, and the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology.