After losing in the Super Bowl, it was only a matter of time until the New England Patriots started making moves. Earlier this week, the Patriots signed multiple players to future contracts.
On the coaching front, one story to follow would be what happens with Terrell Williams. Williams joined the team this past offseason as defensive coordinator, but was not with the team for most of the season due to a health issue. It didn't take long, however, for the Patriots to decide on what the future holds for both Williams and the DC position.
Terrell Williams Changing Roles Opens Up DC Job for Zak Kuhr
On Thursday, Feb. 12, it was announced that Terrell Williams was being promoted to a new role on the Patriots staff, per NFL.com's Ian Rapoport. This is the best-case scenario for Williams, who can remain on staff with the Patriots while taking on a role that should be less taxing.
With Williams now in a new role, the Patriots will have to start their search for a new defensive coordinator for next season. While New England will be forced to conduct outside interviews to fulfill the Rooney Rule requirements before filling the vacant DC role, the Patriots shouldn't look any further than their own coaching staff.
The easiest decision for the Patriots regarding the open DC position is to promote inside linebackers coach Zak Kuhr. Kuhr spent this season as the defensive play-caller while Williams was sidelined, and has more than earned the opportunity to be the defensive coordinator.
In the regular season, the Patriots ranked eighth in total defense under Kuhr. From there, New England's defense only improved in the playoffs, being the main catalyst for the Patriots' postseason run.
After coming close to winning it all in year one under Vrabel, one factor you want to keep is continuity. While that doesn't mean not upgrading, promoting Kuhr to defensive coordinator and letting him continue to call plays on defense will only help the Patriots become a destination for defensive free agents.
Letting Kuhr leave after how well the defense performed would be a mistake for the Patriots. As soon as they can, they should look to promote him to DC. He should only get better with more experience as well, especially if New England pursues a trade for Las Vegas Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby.