Mike Vrabel doesn't close the door on significant Patriots' coaching change

"The Patriots enter the 2026 offseason in a far different position than in recent years, primarily because Mike Vrabel is returning as head coach rather than Robert Kraft having to conduct another search, as he has since 2023. That's a positive after the devastating Super Bowl loss, but it was a productive and impressive season. That doesn't mean, however, that Vrabel might not make some changes to his coaching staff, particularly on defense, as most Patriots fans know, Terrell Williams was hired as the defensive coordinator but had to miss the 2025 season due to a cancer diagnosis."

"He is now reportedly cancer-free and could return to the team this offseason. We'll have to wait and see. But given the success of the defense under interim DC Zak Kuhr, Vrabel has a big decision to make about the role's future. He was asked about that during his end of season presser earlier this week, and he didn't shut down the idea of Kuhr remaining the play caller. Mike Vrabel on if Zak Kuhr will remain as DC: "There will be a lot of things we'll have to work through there."Terrell Williams' health obviously a primary factor."

"One of the biggest strengths of the 2025 Patriots season was their defense, and that showed up during the Super Bowl, as they shut down the Seahawks' biggest threat, Offensive Player of the Year Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Although Kevin Walker III had an incredible game, Sam Darnold was very limited in the passing game, and when he tried to make something happen, Christian Gonzalez and Jaylinn Hawkins ensured it didn't go well. The defensive line also featured stars, with Christian Barmore and Milton Williams becoming one of the best defensive tackle duos in the enti"

Mike Vrabel will return as New England head coach for the 2026 season, eliminating another ownership search and providing continuity after the Super Bowl loss. Defensive coordinator Terrell Williams missed 2025 due to a cancer diagnosis but is reportedly cancer-free and could return this offseason. Interim defensive coordinator Zak Kuhr led a highly successful defense in 2025, including shutting down Jaxon Smith-Njigba in the Super Bowl and limiting Sam Darnold. Vrabel faces a decision about the defensive coordinator role, weighing Williams' health and prior hiring against Kuhr's playcalling success and the strong performance of the defensive line.

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