As the Patriots prepare for their Super Bowl LX clash with the Seattle Seahawks, head coach Mike Vrabel made a point to spotlight one of the key figures behind New England’s defensive resurgence: inside linebackers coach Zak Kuhr.
Kuhr stepped into a critical role back in late September when defensive coordinator Terrell Williams was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Since then, Kuhr has taken over defensive play-calling duties - and the results speak for themselves.
New England’s defense has been one of the league’s stingiest down the stretch, allowing just 11 rushing touchdowns all season - the fourth-fewest in the NFL. And in the postseason?
They’ve turned it up another notch. The Patriots’ pass rush has notched 12 sacks in the playoffs, while four different members of the secondary have come up with at least one interception.
That kind of production doesn’t happen by accident.
Vrabel, never one to toss around praise lightly, made sure Kuhr got his due during Thursday’s press conference.
“Zak’s done a fantastic job,” Vrabel said. “I’ve said that numerous times, and I know that he’s gonna be prepared to help us win.”
Kuhr, a Jacksonville native, has been instrumental in game-planning alongside Vrabel throughout the postseason. Their collaboration has helped shape a defense that’s not just playing well - it’s dictating games. With Seattle’s offense on the horizon, the duo is once again deep in the lab, cooking up a scheme designed to slow down a Seahawks attack that’s been rolling.
While Terrell Williams is with the team in Santa Clara and remains a vital part of the Patriots’ coaching fabric, Sunday will be Kuhr’s final game as the defensive play-caller this season. It’s a fitting stage for a coach who’s quietly helped steer this unit through adversity and into the biggest game of the year.
For a Patriots team built on discipline and execution, Kuhr’s presence has been more than just a stopgap - it’s been a steadying force. And come Super Bowl Sunday, all eyes will be on how this defense - his defense - holds up under the brightest lights.