The New England Patriots have promoted Zak Kuhr to the team’s defensive coordinator job.
Kuhr took over defensive play-calling duties in Week 2 last season after then-defensive coordinator Terrell Williams stepped away while battling cancer.
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Under Kuhr, New England’s defense improved throughout the season and became the driving force behind the team’s run to Super Bowl LX, surrendering just 26 points over its first three playoff games.
“I think he really can adjust quickly, and he has an ability to not get hung up,” Mike Vrabel said of Kuhr prior to the Super Bowl. “We sub and we make different calls, and I’m always trying to watch and make sure that we’re coordinated in what we’re doing. He’s done that. He did a great job in the offseason. He’s a good teacher, good communicator. He’s really helped us.”
Following the season, the Patriots moved Terrell Williams — now cancer-free — into a high-ranking role on staff, officially opening the defensive coordinator position for Kuhr to be promoted.
Kuhr, 37, previously worked with Vrabel at Ohio State before joining him in Tennessee as a quality control coach in 2020, and then as an inside linebacker assistant for three seasons. After spending the 2024 season with the New York Giants, Kuhr joined the Patriots last offseason as inside linebackers coach. That role will now be filled by Vinny DePalma, who has worked with the position since arriving to New England in 2024.
