Who Replaces Terrell Williams? Patriots Begin Key Search
The New England Patriots are set to begin a significant search for their next defensive coordinator after moving Terrell Williams into a high-ranking role following the 2025 season. Williams, who battled prostate cancer but returned to the organization cancer-free, will remain on the coaching staff in a new capacity, leaving the defensive play-caller post open. Inside linebackers coach Zak Kuhr is widely viewed as the early favorite to step into the role after handling defensive play-calling duties during the Patriots’ run to Super Bowl LX, but New England must conduct a Rooney Rule-compliant search that includes interviews with external minority candidates before making a permanent hire.
- Krishna Sagar
- 5 min read
The New England Patriots are entering the 2026 offseason with one of the most important coaching decisions they will make in recent years. After a strong 2025 campaign that culminated in a Super Bowl LX appearance against the Seattle Seahawks, the Patriots face the task of filling a defensive coordinator vacancy that emerged late in the season. Longtime Patriots assistant Terrell Williams, who was originally brought in to fill that role, will transition into a new high-ranking position within the organization after missing most of the season due to a battle with prostate cancer.
Williams’s move creates both an opportunity and a challenge for head coach Mike Vrabel and the Patriots’ front office. Defensive coordinator is one of the most influential jobs on any NFL staff, and the decision will have repercussions for the team’s identity, scheme and success in 2026 and beyond. Williams’s health issues and subsequent reassignment were handled with care by the organization, but now New England must formally identify who will run the defense moving forward.
During Williams’s absence in 2025, inside linebackers coach Zak Kuhr took over defensive play-calling responsibilities. Under his guidance, the Patriots’ defense was a cornerstone of their success, finishing among the top in the league in points allowed and helping propel the team to its first Super Bowl berth since the 2018 season.
Kuhr’s performance in that interim role has made him a natural candidate for promotion, but league rules will require the Patriots to explore outside options as well before finalizing their choice.
1. Promising Internal Candidate: Zak Kuhr
Zak Kuhr emerged as a standout figure when he stepped in to call defensive plays for the Patriots in Williams’s absence. His steady hand and strategic adjustments helped New England’s defense remain one of the NFL’s most effective units, particularly during the postseason run.
Kuhr’s connection with Mike Vrabel and his familiarity with the defense have positioned him as the logical heir apparent for the coordinator role. 
Kuhr’s background includes a mix of college and NFL coaching experience. Before arriving in New England, he served in various assistant roles, including time with the Tennessee Titans and New York Giants.
His transition into NFL defensive play-calling has been noteworthy, and many around the league view him as one of the rising coaching talents in the sport. If Kuhr is promoted, it would represent a continuation of the systems and philosophies that helped drive New England’s defensive success in 2025.
2. External Candidates on Patriots’ Radar
While Kuhr is widely considered the early favorite, the Patriots must satisfy the Rooney Rule, which requires teams to interview external minority candidates before making a coordinator hire. This ensures that qualified candidates from outside the organization are given consideration. 
Two potential external candidates frequently mentioned in reports are defensive coaching veterans Jim Schwartz and Shane Bowen. Schwartz most recently served as defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns and previously held head coaching and senior defensive assistant roles in the NFL.
His experience calls for respect, and his familiarity with Vrabel’s defensive approaches from previous collaborations could make him a strong candidate. 
Shane Bowen is another coach whose name has surfaced as a possibility. He spent two seasons as defensive coordinator with the New York Giants and held the same position for several years under Mike Vrabel when the two worked together with the Tennessee Titans. Bowen’s schemes and previous track record with Vrabel could give him an edge in the interview process, though his most recent stint was marked by challenges on the defensive side.
3. A Critical Decision for 2026
The Patriots’ defensive coordinator title carries significant weight. It plays a central role in shaping overall team philosophy, game planning, and weekly adjustments in matchups that can determine the difference between postseason success and early exits.
With Williams now entering a different role and Kuhr having proven himself capable, the decision appears to be a balance between continuity and thorough exploration of external talent. 
Beyond identifying the DC, the restructuring will create a ripple effect through New England’s coaching staff. If Kuhr is indeed promoted, his previous inside linebackers responsibilities will need to be filled, potentially opening opportunities for other coaches already within the organization. 
The next steps involve formal interviews under the Rooney Rule and a methodical evaluation process that weighs internal performance against outside perspectives. How the Patriots approach this search will be watched closely by fans and analysts alike, as it could define the direction of a defense that proved its mettle en route to the Super Bowl.
4. Looking Ahead
As the Patriots navigate this search, the stakes are clear. Finding the right defensive coordinator could be a defining moment in Mike Vrabel’s tenure and set the tone for another competitive season.
Whether the team ultimately turns inward with Zak Kuhr or opts to bring in a seasoned external voice, the decision will reflect New England’s strategy for balancing fresh perspectives with established success. 
Given the team’s strong defensive performance in 2025 and its recent Super Bowl journey, the right hire could be the catalyst for future success.
Fans and commentators will be watching closely as the Patriots work through the offseason and solidify their coaching ranks for 2026 and beyond.