FOXBORO, Mass. (WPRI) — The New England Patriots coaching staff is quickly taking shape under new head coach Mike Vrabel. When Vrabel was introduced as the team's 16th coach in franchise history, he said he wanted to put the "best talented coaches in front of our players." Quarterback Drake Maye and second-team All-Pro cornerback Christian Gonzalez are returning next year, but improving the offensive line and adding weapons on offense is necessary this offseason. Offensive Coordinator The Patriots have hired Josh McDaniels as their new offensive coordinator, a position he held two previous times. McDaniels returns to Foxboro a little more than a year after being fired by the Las Vegas Raiders. During his tenure as head coach, the team had a 6-11 record in 2022 and were 3-5 when he was let go in November 2023. McDaniels first became the Patriots' offensive coordinator in 2006. The following year, he oversaw a record-setting offense for a team that finished just short of becoming the second-ever undefeated Super Bowl champions. After three years with the Patriots, he was hired as the head coach of the Denver Broncos and spent three seasons there, followed by one season as the offensive coordinator of the St. Louis Rams. McDaniels returned to Foxboro in 2012 and resumed his duties as offensive coordinator. His offense finished in the top five for points for seven consecutive seasons, and the Patriots also won three Super Bowls during that time. Defensive Coordinator The Patriots also announced that Detroit Lions defensive line coach Terrell Williams has been hired as defensive coordinator. Williams worked with Vrabel from 2018 to 2023 in Tennessee where he was the defensive line coach and then assistant head coach. Over that span, his defense ranked fourth in the NFL with only 10,044 rushing yards allowed. Vrabel also had Williams serve as the head coach in the Titans' preseason opener in 2023. He joined the Lions in 2024 as the run game coordinator and defensive line coach. The move to New England will be Williams' first stint as defensive coordinator at any level, but the team believes his coaching experience and relationship with Vrabel will help. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now 12 Sports this Week SIGN UP NOW