Patriots Newcomer Assisting Linebackers Coach With Playcalling Duties

New England Patriots defensive coordinator Terrell Williams has been absent from the team's recent offseason activities after stepping aside to take care of his health. While  Williams remains in constant communication with the Patriots and their coaching staff, inside linebackers coach Zak Kuhr has taken over Williams' duties in person at the Patriots' practice facility.

Kuhr is not just new to the responsibilities that fall under the umbrella of an NFL defensive coordinator – he is also new to the Patriots organization, as he worked as a defensive assistant with the New York Giants last season. In his brief time with the Patriots, Kuhr has been impressed with the team's veterans and how they have asked him plenty of questions during positional meetings and assisted him in practice.

Among the players who have played a role in this process is veteran linebacker Robert Spillane, another fellow newcomer to the Patriots who signed a three-year, $33 million deal with the franchise during the offseason.