The New England Patriots are entering 2026 with a revamped coaching staff, notably promoting Zak Kuhr to defensive coordinator after Terrell Williams' health issues. The team aims to build on their successful defense from 2025 as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Key points
Zak Kuhr promoted to defensive coordinator for 2026
Terrell Williams moved to a different position due to health issues
Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New England Patriots inside linebackers coach Zak Kuhr against the Seattle Seahawks during Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New England Patriots inside linebackers coach Zak Kuhr against the Seattle Seahawks during Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
While not undergoing the drastic changes of the last two offseasons, the New England Patriots coaching staff is still going to look different heading into 2026. The most prominent change happened on defense.
Terrell Williams, the team’s nominal defensive coordinator last season, was moved to a different position in the organization after missing significant chunks of 2025 due to health-related issues. With Williams serving as assistant head coach, Zak Kuhr was officially promoted to a role he effectively held already: defensive coordiantor.
Kuhr’s previous position as inside linebackers coach, meanwhile, will be taken over by Vinny DePalma. DePalma spent the last two years as a defensive assistant who did spend extensive time with the linebacker corps, including team captain Robert Spillane.
For Spillane, the changes are nothing extraordinary. In fact, in his eyes, they are a continuation more than anything.
“That was kind of in the works throughout the season last year. So, that kind of became our new normal at some point last year,” he explained.
“To carry that on through the offseason, knowing that that’s what we’re going to have going into 2026, that’s very exciting. 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.”
Even though Williams was able to coordinate only one game before missing the remainder of the season to undergo treatment for prostate cancer, the Patriots defense was one of the best in football in 2025. Kuhr’s aggressive play-calling, especially in the postseason, played a big role in that.
Heading into 2026 as Super Bowl runner-ups, the Patriots will be trying to keep growing alongside their young coordinator. And to do so, the work is already being put in during the offseason program.
“It’s very exciting,” said Spillane. “Obviously, you go away for a point. You play the Super Bowl, it doesn’t go the way you want. You disperse throughout the country, and that’s just life in the NFL. Just to see the guys and get back with them, it’s a really good feeling. Guys are healthy. Guys are excited. Guys are willing to go out there and work, and work like we’ve never worked before. That’s my focus and from talking with the guys that’s pretty much our whole team’s focus at this point.”
Q&A
Who is the new defensive coordinator for the New England Patriots in 2026?
Zak Kuhr has been promoted to defensive coordinator for the New England Patriots as they enter the 2026 season.
What changes occurred in the Patriots coaching staff heading into 2026?
The Patriots coaching staff saw Zak Kuhr promoted to defensive coordinator and Vinny DePalma taking over as inside linebackers coach.
How did the Patriots defense perform in 2025 under Terrell Williams?
Despite Terrell Williams coordinating only one game due to health issues, the Patriots defense was among the best in football in 2025.
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