Mike Vrabel has a staff to build.
Vrabel’s primary focus will be finding the right people on the offensive side of the football, as the development of second-year quarterback Drake Maye is paramount to the organization’s overall success. New England’s defensive staff can’t afford to go untouched, though, as the entire unit needs a complete overhaul. It’ll all start with hiring the right defensive coordinator, with these six names likely being involved in the search.
Terrell Williams
Williams has carved out quite the career for himself, parlaying longtime success as a defensive line coach into assistant head coach and running game coordinator duties over the last two seasons with the Tennessee Titans and Detroit Lions, respectively.
Vrabel and Williams worked alongside one another for six seasons, so perhaps that could lead to the next evolution in the latter’s career. Lions head coach Dan Campbell might not let him leave, however, as he’s a prime candidate to replace current defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn should he land a head coaching gig. New England or Detroit? Williams could be in for a tough decision.
Lou Anarumo
Anarumo’s dismissal after six seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals was fairly confusing, as it appears he was the scapegoat for some truly terrible roster decisions over the last couple of years. Cincy’s decision doesn’t look great on the surface level, either, as the 58-year-old was immediately floated as a potential option for several other coordinator openings around the NFL. The Patriots might want to get in on that.
Patrick Graham
Graham is among the most qualified candidates on our list, having spent time coaching both linebackers and defensive linemen down at One Patriot Place, before moving on to hold play-calling duties with the Miami Dolphins, New York Giants and Las Vegas Raiders.
Graham isn’t far from landing his first head coaching job — or shouldn’t be, anyway — but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth giving him a look. Could he return to New England to take that final leap?
Ephraim Banda
Banda might not have the experience to warrant such a high-profile job, but he’s absolutely adored around league circles. Vrabel worked with him last season, so perhaps he’s one of those impressed with the 43-year-old.
Bobby King
King gets the best out of his players, doing so across three different stops over the last eight seasons.
Jonathan Greenard (Houston Texans; 2021), Azeez Al-Shaair (Tennessee Titans; 2022) and Zack Baun (Philadelphia Eagles; 2024) all reached career-best marks under his guidance, so why not see if he can do something similar with an entire unit? Vrabel employed him for one season in Tennessee and worked alongside him in Houston, so perhaps there’s a chance the duo reunites for a third stint together.
Jim Schwartz
Schwartz is a household name for most fans, but especially those of the Patriots. The Eagles’ victory in Super Bowl LII was a result of his ultra-aggressive defense, which has been enough to keep him among the most coveted defensive coaches in the entire NFL.
Vrabel has worked alongside the 58-year-old, too, employing him for two seasons in Tennessee before reuniting last season in Cleveland. Could we see a third tour of duty together in New England?
