Patriots Insider Floats Mike Vrabel’s ‘Longtime Friend’ As New Defensive Coordinator

It was reported on Thursday that the New England Patriots were elevating defensive coordinator Terrell Williams to a “high-ranking role on the staff.”

Inside linebackers coach Zak Kuhr, who took over as the Patriots’ defensive play-caller following Williams’ prostate cancer diagnosis last fall, appears to have a good chance of being named defensive coordinator.

Christopher Price of The Boston Globe noted that while Kuhr is probably the top contender for the position, former New York Giants and Tennessee Titans defensive coordinator Shane Bowen could be considered as well.

“Can imagine Williams landing some sort of assistant/associate HC position. While Kuhr is likely a strong candidate, have to wonder if this clears a path for Shane Bowen to join New England. Longtime friend of Vrabel was let go this past season by the NYG,” Price posted on Bluesky. “I’m not necessarily arguing *against* Kuhr. Did very well when he moved up this year. I just know the depth of the relationship between Vrabel and Bowen. FWIW, Kuhr has worked as an assistant under Bowen before on a Vrabel staff.”

Can imagine Williams landing some sort of assistant/associate HC position. While Kuhr is likely a strong candidate, have to wonder if this clears a path for Shane Bowen to join New England. Longtime friend of Vrabel was let go this past season by the NYG.

— Christopher Price (@christopherprice.bsky.social) 2026-02-12T21:52:33.221Z

I’m not necessarily arguing *against* Kuhr. Did very well when he moved up this year. I just know the depth of the relationship between Vrabel and Bowen. FWIW, Kuhr has worked as an assistant under Bowen before on a Vrabel staff.

— Christopher Price (@christopherprice.bsky.social) 2026-02-12T22:08:21.841Z

Bowen was a defensive assistant with the Houston Texans in 2016 and 2017, while Mike Vrabel served as the team’s linebackers coach and defensive coordinator during those two seasons, respectively.

The pair then joined the Titans ahead of the 2018 campaign, with Bowen working as Tennessee’s outside linebackers coach and Vrabel serving as the group’s lead man.

The two-time AP Coach of the Year promoted Bowen to defensive coordinator in 2021 and the duo stayed together with the Titans through the 2023 season.

Bowen was the Giants’ defensive coordinator for the last two years, with Big Blue ranking 21st in 2024 and 26th in 2025 as far as points allowed per contest.

The 39-year-old was fired by New York in November, one day after the team’s Week 12 loss vs. the Detroit Lions.

Former Lions head coach and Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz has also been linked to New England’s defensive coordinator vacancy.