A coaching journey he needed to take, and the former star linebacker uniquely suited to put a faltering franchise back on track.

Vrabel hired McMillan in 2021 as a defensive assistant where he primarily worked with Titans outside linebackers. In 2022, he worked as a defensive line assistant coach alongside Williams, who was named the Patriots defensive coordinator. McMillan continued to work with Titans defensive lineman in 2023.

The Patriots will be overhauling their defensive back coaching staff under new head coach Mike Vrabel in 2025. Cornerbacks coach Mike Pellegrino, who has held his post since 2019, will not return to the team next season, a source told the Herald’s Andrew Callahan.