The New England Patriots coaching staff took a major hit when defensive coordinator Terrell Williams was diagnosed with prostate cancer in September. The diagnosis forced Mike Vrabel and the Patriots to pivot quickly and find their next defensive play-caller.
Zak Kuhr’s Journey From Texas to New England
“I unfortunately have to tell you that Terrell Williams was determined to have prostate cancer and is in the process of treatment,” Vrabel told the media in September. “He’s meeting with specialists to figure out the best plan of attack to attack this, heal it, fix it, and allow him to get back to better health.”
Shortly after it was announced that Williams would take a leave of absence, the team named inside linebackers coach Zak Kuhr the interim play-caller.
When Williams was asked about the young coach, he praised his work ethic extensively. “Zak’s unbelievable,” Williams said. “He’s an unbelievably smart guy. He’s going to be a superstar in this league. He’s smart, and more than anything, he has the ability to connect with players.”
Kuhr, 37, has actually called plays in every game except Week 1, filling in for Williams even before the cancer diagnosis was announced. Kuhr joined the Patriots’ coaching staff shortly after Vrabel was hired, following the 2024 season as a defensive assistant and analyst for the New York Giants.
Before his tenure with the Giants, he spent three seasons with the Tennessee Titans, overlapping with Vrabel. Before joining the Titans, Kuhr worked as an assistant coach at the University of Texas. He also spent time coaching at Texas State, Rutgers, and Ohio State.
How the Patriots’ Defense Has Thrived Under Kuhr
PFSN ranks the Patriots No. 12 in the league in Defense Impact metrics. The unit overall has been immensely efficient this season and is on pace to make history. It has allowed just 76 rushing yards per game, which ranks them second in the league, behind the Seattle Seahawks. They’re also holding opponents to 3.7 yards per carry, ranking third. In addition, no opposing running back has rushed for more than 50 yards against them this season.
If the Patriots continue their success against the run and allow fewer than 75 rushing yards per game, it would mark the lowest total in team history.
Although their run defense has been dominant and their third- and fourth-down defense has been strong, the red zone has been a struggle. Opposing offenses have scored touchdowns on 15 of 20 red-zone appearances, ranking last in the NFL.
This Sunday won’t get any easier, as the Buccaneers enter Week 10 converting 50% of their red-zone trips. Either way, Kuhr has proven he has what it takes to be a coordinator at the NFL level.