The New England Patriots are considering a top Miami Dolphins assistant for their defensive coordinator position. According to ESPN, outside linebackers coach Ryan Crow, who previously worked under newly hired Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel during his tenure with the Tennessee Titans, is a potential candidate to lead New England’s defense. Crow spent six seasons (2018-2023) with Vrabel in Tennessee, initially joining as a defensive assistant before transitioning to assistant special teams coach and later serving three seasons as outside linebackers coach.
In 2024, Crow faced challenges coaching Miami’s outside linebackers due to injuries and unexpected changes. The Dolphins were without Bradley Chubb for the entire season after he suffered a knee injury on New Year’s Eve 2023. Additionally, Jaelan Phillips sustained a knee injury four games into the season, and Shaq Barrett’s unexpected retirement just before training camp further depleted the unit. Despite these setbacks, rookie Chop Robinson, a first-round pick from Penn State, showed significant progress throughout the season. Though he started only one game, Robinson made key contributions with 26 tackles, six sacks, 14 quarterback hits, and four pass deflections, primarily playing on passing downs.
If Crow departs for New England, it will mark the third coaching vacancy for Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel to address. Miami is already searching for a new special teams coordinator and wide receivers coach following the recent dismissals of Danny Crossman and Wes Welker. Additionally, defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver is reportedly in consideration for the New Orleans Saints head coaching position.
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