Patriots Rumors: Mike Vrabel Finds Brian Belichick Replacement

The Patriots didn’t waste much time finding a replacement for Brian Belichick.

New England is expected to hire Buffalo Bills senior defensive assistant Scott Booker, according to Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports. Booker is expected to serve as safeties coach, the position reportedly vacated by Belichick on Tuesday.

Booker, 44, previously spent six seasons working for Mike Vrabel with the Tennessee Titans, much like other recent additions to the offices at One Patriot Place. The Bills gave him an opportunity this past season to remain in the NFL, as his prior coaching experience primarily came in the collegiate ranks with Kent State, Western Kentucky, Nebraska and Notre Dame.

The 44-year-old played at Kent State under Dean Pees, who later spent time working with Vrabel as both a player (New England) and a head coach (Tennessee).

The Patriots have done well to fill in spots on their defensive coaching staff, though official roles have not been revealed. Kevin Richardson II, Clinton McMillan, Zak Kuhr and Milton Patterson are all younger defensive coaches who are expected to join the defensive staff under defensive coordinator Terrell Williams.

New England could still add more veteran voices on that side of the ball, as well.