The Patriots formally turned over the keys to their new head coach on Sunday, but the task does not end there.
Mike Vrabel needs to build his staff.
Vrabel’s primary focus will be on finding the right people on the offensive side of the ball, as the development of second-year quarterback Drake Maye is critical to the team’s overall success. New England’s defensive staff cannot afford to remain unaffected, since the entire unit requires a comprehensive rebuild. It will all start with appointing the appropriate defensive coordinator, and these six names are likely to be considered.
Terrell Williams has successfully transitioned from defensive line coach to associate head coach and running game coordinator for the Tennessee Titans and Detroit Lions during the last two seasons.
Vrabel and Williams collaborated for six seasons, which may have paved the way for the latter’s next step. However, Lions head coach Dan Campbell may not allow him depart because he is a strong candidate to replace current defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn if he is hired as a head coach. New England, or Detroit? Williams could be facing a difficult decision.
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Lou Anarumo
Anarumo’s departure after six seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals was perplexing, given he appears to have been the scapegoat for some absolutely awful roster decisions in recent years. Cincy’s decision doesn’t look good on the surface, either, since the 58-year-old was instantly mentioned as a possible candidate for many other coordinator jobs in the NFL. The Patriots might be interested in it.
Patrick Graham is a highly qualified candidate with experience teaching linebackers and defensive linemen at One Patriot Place. He has also served as a play-caller for the Miami Dolphins, New York Giants, and Las Vegas Raiders.
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Graham isn’t far from landing his first head coaching position — or shouldn’t be, anyhow — but it’s still worth giving him a chance. Could he return to New England to make the final leap?
Despite lacking experience, Ephraim Banda is well regarded within the league. Vrabel worked with him last season, so perhaps he is impressed with the 43-year-old.
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Sean T. McGuire discusses five offensive coordinator candidates for Mike Vrabel and the Patriots.
King has gotten the most out of his players at three separate destinations during the last eight seasons.
Jonathan Greenard (Houston Texans; 2021), Azeez Al-Shaair (Tennessee Titans; 2022), and Zack Baun (Philadelphia Eagles; 2024) all achieved career-high marks under his tutelage, so why not see if he can do the same with an entire team? Vrabel hired him for one season in Tennessee and collaborated with him in Houston, so there’s a chance the two will work together again.
Jim Schwartz
Schwartz is well-known among most fans, particularly those of the Patriots. His ultra-aggressive defense helped the Eagles win Super Bowl LII, and it has kept him among the most sought-after defensive coordinators in the NFL.
Vrabel has also worked with the 58-year-old, hiring him for two seasons in Tennessee before reconnecting him last season in Cleveland. Could we get a third tour of duty together in New England?
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