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 New England Patriots’ staff turnover continued on Tuesday with the reported departures of two defensive assistants. Neither cornerbacks coach Mike Pellegrino nor safeties coach Brian Belichick will be back with the organization under new head coach Mike Vrabel in 2025.