Patriots' Vrabel Mum on DC's Future After Super Bowl Loss

New England's defense struggled in the big game despite strong regular season and playoff showings.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel offered a cryptic response when asked about the future of defensive coordinator Zak Kuhr following the team's 29-13 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX. Vrabel declined to provide a timeline for a decision on Kuhr's status, saying he would 'work through all those things' in the coming days and weeks.

Why it matters

The Patriots' defense had been a strength all season, ranking highly in several key metrics during the regular season and playoffs. However, the unit struggled in the Super Bowl, allowing 335 yards to the Seahawks' offense without forcing a turnover. Vrabel's noncommittal response raises questions about potential changes to the coaching staff as the organization evaluates the season.

The details

New England's defense had been a consistent force throughout the 2025 season and postseason, ranking second in total yards allowed per game (241.0) and fourth in scoring defense (13.8 points per game) during the playoffs. In the regular season, the Patriots were eighth in total defense (295.2 yards per game), ninth against the pass (193.5 yards per game), and sixth against the run (101.7 yards per game). However, the unit struggled in the Super Bowl, surrendering 335 yards to the Seahawks without forcing a turnover. The Patriots also allowed six sacks and committed three turnovers, factors that proved decisive in the loss.

  • The Patriots lost to the Seattle Seahawks 29-13 in Super Bowl LX on February 9, 2026.
  • On February 11, 2026, Vrabel was asked about the future of defensive coordinator Zak Kuhr.

The players

Mike Vrabel

The head coach of the New England Patriots.

Zak Kuhr

The defensive coordinator of the New England Patriots.

Terrell Williams

A player on the New England Patriots' defense who had been medically cleared to return.

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What they’re saying

“I'll work through all those things here in the next couple of weeks, days, however long those decisions take.”

— Mike Vrabel, Head Coach (MassLive)

What’s next

The Patriots will need to evaluate the performance of their defense and coaching staff in the offseason and determine if any changes are necessary ahead of the 2026 season.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the high expectations and scrutiny that come with being a perennial Super Bowl contender. Despite the Patriots' defensive success throughout the 2025 season, their struggles in the big game have raised questions about the future of the coaching staff and the need for potential changes to maintain their championship-caliber performance.