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As the New England Patriots enter the 2026 offseason, head coach Mike Vrabel faces a pivotal decision. After a resilient 2025 campaign that saw the team reach Super Bowl LX, the defensive coordinator (DC) position is officially open.
Current reports indicate that Terrell Williams, who missed much of last season battling prostate cancer, is being moved into a high-ranking “Associate Head Coach” or strategic advisory role. This leaves the reins of a defense that ranked 3rd in points allowed (17.9 PPG) and 5th in total yards (284.9 YPG) up for grabs.
Here are the top five candidates for the Patriots’ defensive coordinator vacancy, including several high-profile minority coaches who fit Vrabel’s culture.
- Zak Kuhr (Patriots Inside Linebackers Coach)
The undisputed frontrunner is the man who already did the job. When Williams stepped away in Week 2, Kuhr took over the play-calling duties and orchestrated a top-five defensive unit.
The Case: Continuity is king in Foxborough. Under Kuhr, the Patriots boasted the #2 rushing defense in the league (99.2 yards per game).
The Fit: He has the “buy-in” from the locker room and a proven rapport with Mike Vrabel. Many league insiders, including Ian Rapoport, suggest the job is effectively his to lose.
2. Shane Bowen (Former Giants Defensive Coordinator)
A familiar name for Vrabel as he was his defensive coordinator in Tennessee from 2021 to 2023. He and Vrabel are good friends.
The Case: He would run the same defense the Patriots ran this past season. He has run it in Tennessee and New York. He sees eye to eye with Vrabel from a scheme perspective.
The Fit: Bowen would be able to slide right in and do a good job with the defensive staff in place. The problem is, it would be an adjustment for the players.
3. Aubrey Pleasant (Rams Assistant Head Coach / Pass Game Coordinator)
Pleasant is widely regarded as one of the best secondary teachers in the NFL and a top candidate for a coordinator jump. He has already interviewed for multiple DC roles this January, including with the Chargers and Cardinals.
The Case: Under Pleasant’s guidance in 2025, the Rams’ secondary outperformed expectations, helping the team maintain a playoff-caliber defense despite personnel turnover.
The Fit: Vrabel values versatility. Pleasant’s ability to coordinate complex “match” zone coverages could take the Patriots’ 8th-ranked pass defense to the next level.
4. Karl Scott (Seahawks Defensive Backs Coach)
Another standout candidate, Scott has been instrumental in the development of Seattle’s “Legion of Boom 2.0.” He has recently been linked to coordinator searches in Las Vegas and Washington.
The Case: Scott’s units are known for high takeaway numbers and disciplined press-man coverage.
The Fit: If Vrabel wants to shift toward a more aggressive, turnover-heavy scheme, Scott is the ideal architect. He brings a “CEO” presence to the defensive room that matches Vrabel’s leadership style.
5. Jim Schwartz (Browns Defensive Coordinator)
If the Patriots decide to go with a veteran “big fish” rather than an internal promotion, Schwartz is the name to watch. Rumors have circulated that he might be looking for a change of scenery despite his success in Cleveland. He has worked with Vrabel previously in Tennessee.
The Case: Schwartz is an established elite play-caller who led the Browns to a dominant 2024-2025 stretch.
The Fit: Schwartz and Vrabel share a “tough-nosed” defensive philosophy. His “Wide-9” front and aggressive four-man rush would be a natural addition to New England’s personnel and what they already do.