New Patriots Rumors on DC Vacancy, Terrell Williams' Role After Super Bowl 60 Loss

The New England Patriots reportedly will have a new defensive coordinator in 2026.

Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Terrell Williams is moving into a high-ranking role on the Patriots staff and New England will search for a new defensive coordinator. Rapoport added that Zak Kuhr is a "top candidate" after calling plays during the playoffs.

Williams was not with the Patriots for most of the season after being diagnosed with prostate cancer in September. Fortunately, the veteran coach revealed last month that he is cancer-free, and he was able to travel to the Super Bowl with the team.

"All of the doctors, all of the nurses at Mass General, and everyone that's taken blood samples, all the people there, they're so important and good at what they do. I appreciate those guys," Williams told Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald.. "And I appreciate this organization and the people of New England. When I say that, I mean it. I'm just shocked at how kind the people are up here. And it's been unbelievable."

Now Williams will get the chance to stay with the team as they look to put together another Super Bowl run in 2026.

It's not much of a surprise to see Kuhr emerge as a candidate for the vacancy after the tremendous job he did in Williams' absence. The Patriots allowed the eighth-fewest yards per game (295.2) and the fourth-fewest yards per game (18.8) during the regular season. New England then allowed just 13.8 points per game in the postseason on its way to its first Super Bowl appearance since 2018.

The Patriots will likely conduct a thorough search for their next DC, but Kuhr has certainly proved himself capable of the job.