The Patriots are officially promoting Zak Kuhr to defensive coordinator, a source confirms.
Following Terrell Williams being moved to a “high-ranking role” on Mike Vrabel’s staff from his DC job, the Kuhr move was expected.
Kuhr impressed as the team’s defensive play caller this season after taking over for Williams, who took leave following a cancer diagnosis.
The 37-year-old Kuhr had never called defensive plays before this season, but was at the helm of one of the NFL’s top units, finishing fourth in points allowed and eighth in total defense.
The defense was especially good during the team’s post-season run to the Super Bowl, allowing just 13.8 points per game.
Williams, recently declared cancer-free, traveled with the team to San Francisco. During Super Bowl 60 media night, he spoke about the job Kuhr had done in his absence.
“Zak Kuhr deserves a lot of credit, a lot of credit for taking over and taking control of the defense,” Williams said. “And I’m really proud of those guys because we were all together in Tennessee. Zak was my assistant. We all worked together. I’m really happy to see those guys continue to thrive and preach the message that Vrabes is really preaching.”
ESPN and NFL Network were first with the report.
