Ephraim Banda of the Cleveland Browns nearly became the Patriots' next defensive coordinator.
The New England Patriots promoted Zak Kuhr to defensive coordinator this week. It was a smart choice for the team to do that based on Kuhr's success filling in for Terrell Williams due to a battle with prostate cancer. As of January 2026, Williams is cancer-free and taking on a new position within the organization.
Kuhr, holding onto the job he had filled in for, had a lot of logic to it. However, the Patriots still had to adhere to the NFL's Rooney Rule.
Of the few coaches whom the Patriots had interviewed, one of whom was Cleveland Browns safeties coach Ephraim Banda.
The report that the Pats interviewed Banda came from Phil Perry of NBC Boston, who said the Browns assistant had interviewed for the Patriots' defensive coordinator position. However, on Tuesday, the Patriots announced that they would be giving the defensive reins to Kuhr.
Banda's background is stellar, though, and most people should not overlook it. He began coaching in 2011 at his alma mater, the University of the Incarnate Word. Banda then moved to Mississippi State and Texas. In 2016, the University of Miami hired him as its safeties coach. Then, after four seasons, he became the team's co-defensive coordinator.
Banda then became the DC at Utah State, and in 2023, he made his way to the big leagues, where he worked under head coach Kevin Stefanski and defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz.
It should also be noted that last season, the Browns had Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel in the building as a consultant. Thus, meaning both Banda and Vrabel have crossed paths before.
The coaching carousel is at the assistant level. The Patriots have lost two already this offseason. Defensive assistant Milton Patterson has parted ways with the team, as has assistant offensive line coach Robert Kugler, who recently left for a chance to become the tight ends coach with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
With all this movement, there could be a chance down the road that Vrabel could bring Banda on staff if an opening were ever to happen.
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