With Terrell Williams transitioning to a new role within the New England Patriots' coaching staff in 2026, the team needed a new defensive coordinator. Enter Zak Kuhr, who was promoted from inside linebackers coach to DC. In a corresponding move, Vinny DePalma stepped up from coaching assistant to fill Kuhr’s previous position.
Let's dive into what these moves mean for the Patriots.
No Surprise Here
Even before it was official that Williams wouldn't return as DC, Kuhr was the frontrunner for the job. This promotion was anticipated by many, as Kuhr had effectively been handling the responsibilities for much of 2025. Initially stepping in when Williams had to work remotely due to a health scare, Kuhr later took over as the defensive play caller after Williams' prostate cancer diagnosis.
Under Kuhr's leadership, the Patriots' defense excelled, propelling them to a Super Bowl appearance. His promotion feels like a natural progression, especially given the circumstances.
Locked In
By promoting Kuhr, the Patriots have essentially secured his talents for the foreseeable future. In the NFL, lateral moves are rare and often blocked by teams, meaning Kuhr's only paths out are either being fired or being hired as a head coach elsewhere.
At just 37, Kuhr is already a hot commodity in coaching circles. Had he remained a position coach, he likely would have been in high demand as a coordinator next offseason. Now, only 31 NFL jobs represent a step up for him.
Rooney Rule Compliance
The NFL’s Rooney Rule requires teams to interview at least two external minority or female candidates for coordinator positions. The Patriots promoting Kuhr suggests they’ve fulfilled these requirements.
While the specific candidates interviewed aren't known, it's possible some may join the staff in other roles. Coordinator interviews often serve multiple purposes beyond just filling a vacancy.
Building Stability
Alongside Kuhr's promotion, Vinny DePalma's move to inside linebackers coach was another anticipated change following Williams' role shift. DePalma joined the Patriots in 2024 and has been deeply involved with the linebackers since arriving. With Kuhr taking over play-calling duties in 2025, DePalma's role grew, making his promotion a logical step toward maintaining stability.
Stability is also key with Kuhr's promotion. An outside hire might have brought changes in scheme or leadership style, but Kuhr is a known quantity. He proved his coaching and coordinating skills under challenging conditions in 2025, making him a reliable choice for the Patriots moving forward.