Patriots put in first request for defensive coordinator interview
The New England Patriots have already begun interviewing candidates for their offensive coordinator opening. Now, they’re looking for a new defensive coordinator.
As reported by Mike Reiss on Monday, the Patriots have put in a request to interview Dolphins outside linebackers coach Ryan Crow for their defensive coordinator vacancy. Crow notably coached under Mike Vrabel for the Tennessee Titans from 2018-23.
Crow also coached the outside linebackers in Tennessee for three seasons. Prior to that, he got his start with the Titans as a defensive assistant under Vrabel, and spent one season as an assistant special teams coach.
So, it would be Crow’s first season as a defensive coordinator, should he get the job with the Patriots. But it’s common for a linebackers coach to make that jump. Crow is on a coordinator trajectory.

Since Vrabel’s expertise lies more on the defensive side of the ball, it’s more important to watch for who he brings in as offensive coordinator. Alex Van Pelt ostensibly remains with the Patriots organization, with a chance to be retained in some capacity. They’ve already looked at two candidates for OC, the Bears’ Thomas Brown and the Chargers’ Marcus Brady.
As for defensive coordinator, that’s a spot where Vrabel and the Patriots could afford to gamble on a younger, up-and-coming assistant. Crow is certainly more experienced and ready for the position than DeMarcus Covington was in 2024. Couple that with the familiarity between him and Vrabel, and Crow makes logical sense as a candidate to get the job in New England.
Vrabel and his eventual pick for DC will be tasked with restoring the Patriots defense to prominence, after a 2024 season in which they ranked 22nd in points allowed per game (24.5) and 26th in opposing passer rating (96.9).
Matt Dolloff is a writer and digital content producer for 98.5 The Sports Hub. Read all of his articles here.