| 1979 New England Patriots season | |
|---|---|
| Owner | Billy Sullivan |
| General manager | Bucko Kilroy |
| Head coach | Ron Erhardt |
| Home field | Schaefer Stadium |
| Results | |
| Record | 9–7 |
| Division place | 2nd AFC East |
| Playoff finish | Did not qualify |
| Pro Bowlers | G John Hannah CB Mike Haynes WR Stanley Morgan |
| AP All-Pros | G John Hannah (1st team) CB Mike Haynes (2nd team) |
| Uniform | |
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The 1979 New England Patriots season was the franchise's 10th season in the National Football League and 20th overall. The Patriots ended the season with a record of nine wins and seven losses and finished second in the AFC East Division. Ron Erhardt was named the new coach. In their season opener, the Patriots faced the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday Night as Darryl Stingley returned to Schaffer Stadium. Patriots fans gave the paralyzed star a long sustained standing ovation. However, the emotion did not carry over as the Pats lost 16-13 in overtime. The Pats would find themselves at 8-4, as the team featured a more wide-open offense under quarterback Steve Grogan. However, a three-game losing streak ended their playoff chances, as the team settled for a disappointing 9–7 season.