The Patriots head into the 2026 offseason with a sense of stability they haven’t had in a while - and that starts at the top. For the first time since 2023, there’s no head coaching search in New England. Mike Vrabel is back, and after a season that ended in heartbreak but showcased serious growth, that’s a major win for the franchise.
But even with Vrabel firmly in place, there are still big decisions looming - especially on the defensive side of the ball.
One of the biggest storylines to watch this offseason is the status of the defensive coordinator position. Terrell Williams was originally hired to lead the defense but missed the entire 2025 season while battling cancer. Now, with reports indicating Williams is cancer-free, there’s a real possibility he could return to his role in 2026.
At the same time, interim defensive coordinator Zak Kuhr stepped in and delivered one of the most impressive defensive performances we’ve seen from a Patriots unit in recent memory. That’s not an easy thing to overlook.
Vrabel was asked about the situation during his end-of-season press conference, and while he didn’t tip his hand, he made it clear the decision won’t be taken lightly.
“There will be a lot of things we’ll have to work through there,” Vrabel said when asked if Kuhr would remain the defensive play caller.
It’s a delicate situation. Williams earned the job and was expected to be a key figure in the team’s identity. But Kuhr’s performance this past season has made the decision far more complicated - in the best way possible.
Let’s not forget how dominant this defense was in 2025. It was the driving force behind New England’s run to the Super Bowl, and it held firm even on the game’s biggest stage. Facing a high-powered Seahawks offense, the Patriots defense put the clamps on Jaxon Smith-Njigba - the Offensive Player of the Year - and made life difficult for Sam Darnold from start to finish.
Sure, Kenneth Walker III had a standout game, but when Darnold dropped back to pass, the Patriots secondary was ready. Christian Gonzalez and Jaylinn Hawkins were all over the field, shutting down passing lanes and forcing mistakes.
Up front, the defensive line was relentless. Christian Barmore and Milton Williams were a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks all year, and they saved some of their best work for the postseason.
Together, they formed one of the most disruptive interior duos in the league. And they weren’t alone - rising names like Cory Durden, Elijah Ponder, and Leonard Taylor III gave the Patriots serious depth and versatility across the line.
That kind of success doesn’t happen by accident. It’s a credit to the players, yes, but also to the scheme and preparation - and that’s where Kuhr made his mark. His ability to adapt, adjust, and get the most out of his personnel was a huge part of why this defense thrived.
So now Vrabel faces a tough call. If Williams is ready to return, does he step back into the role he was hired for? Or does Kuhr, who proved he can handle the job on the biggest stage, continue leading the charge?
There’s time to figure it out. Williams’ health and readiness will be the top priority, and no one’s rushing to make a decision. And even in a scenario where Kuhr doesn’t retain the DC title, he’s still expected to remain on staff - likely as linebackers coach - which means his voice and influence on the defense won’t disappear.
But make no mistake: this is one of the biggest decisions Vrabel will face this offseason. It’s not just about loyalty or titles - it’s about keeping a championship-caliber defense intact and building on what was a breakout season for the Patriots on that side of the ball.
The good news? Vrabel has options. And that’s a pretty good problem to have.