Patriots Announce 2026-27 Coaching Staff, Welcoming Vinny DePalma as Inside Linebackers Coach
In an exciting development for the New England Patriots, the coaching roster for the 2026-27 season has been unveiled, and it features a familiar face stepping into a key role. Vinny DePalma, a former Eagles linebacker, has been appointed as the Inside Linebackers Coach.
DePalma is no stranger to the Patriots, having spent the last two years as a Defensive Assistant. During the 2025 season, he took on significant defensive duties while Zak Kuhr, the then-Inside Linebackers Coach, served as the de facto Defensive Coordinator in the absence of Assistant Head Coach Terrell Williams.
DePalma's football journey began at Boston College, where he played from 2018 to 2023. During his collegiate career, he racked up an impressive 277 tackles, with 18.5 of those for loss.
His knack for forcing turnovers was evident with four forced fumbles, two-and-a-half sacks, and two fumble recoveries. His standout performances earned him All-ACC Honorable Mention and the Swede Nelson Award from the Gridiron Club of Greater Boston in 2022.
As a graduate student in 2023, he continued to shine, securing All-ACC Third-Team honors and the prestigious Scanlan Award from Boston College.
With DePalma’s deep understanding of the game and his proven track record both on the field and on the sidelines, the Patriots' defense looks to be in capable hands. His transition from a player to a coach within the organization speaks volumes about his football IQ and leadership qualities. Fans can look forward to seeing how his expertise will bolster the Patriots' defense in the upcoming season.