For the first time since 2023, the New England Patriots are entering an offseason with some welcome stability at the helm. Mike Vrabel, who joined Foxborough last offseason, is returning after leading the team to a stellar 14-3 record and a Super Bowl appearance.
However, while Vrabel stays put, his coaching staff is set for some changes. Not every assistant will be back for the 2026 season, and some internal reshuffling is on the horizon.
Let's dive into the Patriots' coaching staff updates and see what’s in store for the upcoming season.
Patriots Coaching Hires
B.J. Edmonds (Role TBD): Edmonds, a former cornerback from Arkansas State, has a varied coaching background with stints as a defensive graduate assistant at Kansas Wesleyan and Utah State. He recently coached running backs at Southern Miss but is now headed to the Patriots in a yet-to-be-disclosed role.
Patriots Coaching Departures
Robert Kugler (Assistant Offensive Line Coach): Kugler, who has been with the Patriots through the coaching transitions from Jerod Mayo to Mike Vrabel, is moving on to the Pittsburgh Steelers. He’ll be taking on the role of tight ends coach under their new coaching regime.
Milton Patterson (Defensive Assistant): Patterson, who brought his college coaching experience from Florida A&M to New England last season, will not be returning for the 2026 season.
Patriots Internal Changes
Terrell Williams (Role TBD): Williams, who faced significant health challenges last year, including a prostate cancer diagnosis, is transitioning from his role as defensive coordinator. Now cancer-free, Williams will take on a high-ranking position on Vrabel’s staff, a testament to his resilience and expertise.
Zak Kuhr (Promoted to Defensive Coordinator): Kuhr, who admirably stepped up during Williams' medical leave, has been promoted from his position as inside linebackers coach to full-time defensive coordinator. His leadership and tactical acumen have clearly made an impression.
Vinny DePalma (Promoted to Inside Linebackers Coach): DePalma, a former Boston College linebacker, has been with the Patriots since 2024. His steady work as a defensive assistant focusing on linebackers has earned him a promotion to inside linebackers coach.
Additional Notes
- Thomas Brown: Despite interest from the Cardinals for both head coaching and offensive coordinator roles, Brown will remain with the Patriots. The Cardinals have chosen Mike LeFleur for their head coach position and Mike McDaniel for offensive coordinator.
- Ashton Grant: The young quarterbacks coach is staying put, continuing to develop the Patriots' signal-callers.
The Patriots are gearing up for another promising season with these strategic coaching moves. As they build on last year's success, the blend of stability at the top with fresh faces and internal promotions should keep fans excited for what's next in Foxborough.