Former longtime Patriots assistant Dante Scarnecchia is being one of 17 honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in June. (AP file photo)

Former longtime New England Patriots assistant Dante Scarnecchia is being honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Individuals from five groups that have propelled the success of individual teams and the sport of professional football have been identified for Awards of Excellence under a program the Pro Football Hall of Fame launched last year to recognize significant contributors to the game.

Scarnecchia has always been identified as a key contributor to the Patriots success prior to and during the Bill Belichick Era.

With more than 30 years of NFL coaching experience, Scarnecchia spent most of his years with the Patriots as an assistant coach. Before the NFL, he coached for 12 years (1970-1982) at the collegiate level at five institutions.

During his three decades in the NFL, Scarnecchia was a part of six Super Bowl championship teams (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX, XLIX, LI, LIII), serving as the offensive line coach in each of those seasons. He left New England to be the Indianapolis Colts’ offensive line coach for two seasons before returning to Foxborough.

The other recipients will be honored in Canton with an evening reception June 28 and an awards luncheon June 29 emceed by Hall of Famer Dan Fouts.

Receiving Awards of Excellence for 2023 are:

Assistant Coaches Sherman Lewis, Tom Moore and Dante Scarnecchia.

Athletic Trainers J. Lindsy McLean, Bob Reese and Lamar “Bubba” Tyer.

Equipment Managers William T. “Buck” Buchanan, Robert “Bob” Noel and Bill Simmons.

Film/Video Directors Mike Dougherty, Milan “Mickey” Dukich, Thom Fermstad, Henry Kunttu and Al Treml. Also, public relations personnel Greg Aiello, Kevin Byrne and Budd Thalman.

MILLS IS BACK

Patriots veteran cornerback Jalen Mills, who was released by the team just last week in a salary cap move, reportedly has re-signed with the team. Mills has agreed to a one-year deal worth a reported $6 million.

There are reports that Mills could possibly move to safety, where the Patriots need to find a replacement for the retired Devin McCourty.