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Patriots Shift Terrell Williams to New Role, Defensive Coordinator Position Opens Up
Inside linebackers coach Zak Kuhr emerges as favorite to fill the defensive coordinator vacancy.
Published on Feb. 13, 2026
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The New England Patriots are making changes to their coaching staff, with Terrell Williams being moved into a high-ranking role within the organization. This shift has created a vacancy at the defensive coordinator position, which could be filled by inside linebackers coach Zak Kuhr, who handled the defensive coordinator duties earlier in the season when Williams was diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Why it matters
The Patriots' defense played a key role in the team's run to the Super Bowl, and the defensive coordinator position is a crucial one. Keeping Kuhr within the organization is important for the team's continuity and success, as he has been with head coach Mike Vrabel since his days in Tennessee.
The details
Terrell Williams, who has been a trusted voice for Vrabel, is being moved into a new role within the organization, though the specifics of his new position are unclear. Kuhr, who filled in as the defensive coordinator when Williams was diagnosed with cancer early in the season, is now the favorite to take over the position permanently. Kuhr handled the defensive coordinator duties exceptionally well, and Vrabel has praised his work, describing him as 'fantastic'.
- In early 2026, Terrell Williams was diagnosed with prostate cancer.
- During the 2025 season, Zak Kuhr served as the defensive coordinator when Williams was out.
- The Patriots fell to the Seahawks in the Super Bowl on February 2, 2026.
The players
Terrell Williams
A trusted voice for Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel, who was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer but has been declared cancer-free.
Zak Kuhr
The Patriots' inside linebackers coach, who filled in as the defensive coordinator during the 2025 season when Williams was out due to his cancer diagnosis.
Mike Vrabel
The head coach of the New England Patriots, who has been with the team since 2018 and previously worked with both Williams and Kuhr in Tennessee.
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.
