Defensive Coaching Changes 'Exciting' For Patriots Captain

The New England Patriots played in 21 games last season. Other than Week 1 against the Raiders, who was the defensive playcaller in 20 of those games? Inside linebackers coach Zak Kuhr, who stepped up and filled in for defensive coordinator Terrell Williams during his cancer diagnosis and recovery.

Kuhr did a phenomenal job on the job, leading the Patriots defense all the way to the Super Bowl for the first time since 2018. His aggressive play calling, especially in the postseason, was a catalyst for New England's sustained success. He did such a good job that a promotion was in order to become the Patriots' full-time defensive coordinator.

As a result, Williams was moved to the "assistant head coach" role this past offseason. Replacing Kuhr's spot at the inside linebackers role is Vinnie DePalma, the former BC Eagles star who was a defensive assistant on the staff for the last two years.

Changes On Staff, No Changes In Mindset

Despite all the moving pieces, it hasn't impacted what New England is doing this offseason. In fact, the players haven't been caught off guard by it at all.

"That was kind of in the works throughout the season last year," linebacker and captain Robert Spillane told reporters last week. "So, that kind of became our new normal at some point last year."

Both Kuhr and Williams had joined the Patriots staff after spending previous time with head coach Mike Vrabel on the Tennessee Titans sideline. Kuhr had never been a coordinator, but called a fantastic defense in his debut season. It's part of the reason why the returning Patriots feel so comfortable with the groundwork already being laid out.

"To carry that on through the offseason, knowing that that’s what we’re going to have going into 2026, that’s very exciting," Spillane continued. "We get to continue to build on the progress that we’ve already put in to understanding this defense, and now it’s about cleaning things ups, being super technical and fundamental with everything that we do."