Feb. 1, 2000 SportsLine wire reports

FOXBORO, Mass. -- Newly named New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick Tuesday began the process of putting together his staff by hiring five assistants.

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Dante Scarnecchia, Charlie Weis, Ivan Fears, Jeff Davidson and Eric Mangini were hired for the 2000 season. Scarnecchia was named assistant head coach and will continue to direct the Patriots offensive line.

Weis will serve as offensive coordinator after holding the same post with the New York Jets the past two seasons. Fears will handle wide receivers, while Davidson will serve as offensive line assistant.

Mangini, who served as a defensive assistant with the Jets, moves into the same position with New England.

Belichick was named Patriots' coach Jan. 27, ending a month-long saga that began when he agreed to succeed Bill Parcells as Jets' coach then abruptly announced his resignation.