The Patriots opened up their defensive coordinator role, per a source, moving Terrell Williams to a high-ranking position on staff.
Williams, now cancer-free, entered the 2025 season as the Patriots’ defensive coordinator until taking a leave of absence after being diagnosed with prostate cancer prior to Week 2.
Inside linebackers coach Zak Kuhr took over as interim defensive coordinator and play-caller and is considered a top candidate to take over the full-time role.
Kuhr led the Patriots’ defense to a top 10 finish in yards and points allowed. They finished the regular season 11th in expected points added and were even stronger in the postseason until losing to the Seahawks 29-13 in Super Bowl LX.
Another former defensive coordinator of head coach Mike Vrabel, Shane Bowen, is also currently available after being fired by the Giants in November.
Williams was able to assist the Patriots between cancer treatments. He was declared cancer-free before the Super Bowl and traveled with the team to the Bay Area.
Williams previously served as a defensive line coach with the Titans and Lions.
Kuhr had never served as a position coach or defensive coordinator prior to the 2025 season, only switching over from offensive coaching in 2020.