New England Patriots defensive coordinator history

Matt Patricia

Patricia was the defensive coordinator for the New England Patriots in the 2012-2017 seasons, a total of six years. Patricia's record as the team's defensive coordinator was 75-21-0, making him the most successful defensive coordinator in New England Patriots history. The team made it to the playoffs six times (2012-2017) and had a 11-4 record under Coach Patricia in playoff games. In 2014, the New England Patriots faced off against the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX and the Patriots, under the direction of head coach Bill Belichick, won 28-24. In 2016, the New England Patriots faced off against the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI and the Patriots, under the direction of head coach Bill Belichick, won 34-28. In 2017, the New England Patriots faced off against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII and the Patriots, under the direction of head coach Bill Belichick, lost 33-41.

Dean Pees

Pees was the defensive coordinator for the New England Patriots in the 2006-2009 seasons, a total of four years. Pees' record as the team's defensive coordinator was 49-15-0, making him the second-most successful defensive coordinator in New England Patriots history. The team made it to the playoffs three times (2006-2007, 2009) and had a 4-3 record under Coach Pees in playoff games. In 2007, the New England Patriots faced off against the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLII and the Patriots, under the direction of head coach Bill Belichick, lost 14-17.

Eric Mangini

Mangini was the defensive coordinator for the New England Patriots in the 2005 season. The team made it to the playoffs one time (2005) and had a 1-1 record under Coach Mangini in playoff games.

Romeo Crennel

Crennel was the defensive coordinator for the New England Patriots in the 2001-2004 seasons, a total of four years. Crennel's record as the team's defensive coordinator was 48-16-0, making him the third-most successful defensive coordinator in New England Patriots history. The team made it to the playoffs three times (2001, 2003-2004) and had a 9-0 record under Coach Crennel in playoff games. In 2001, the New England Patriots faced off against the St. Louis Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI and the Patriots, under the direction of head coach Bill Belichick, won 20-17. In 2003, the New England Patriots faced off against the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl XXXVIII and the Patriots, under the direction of head coach Bill Belichick, won 32-29. In 2004, the New England Patriots faced off against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl XXXIX and the Patriots, under the direction of head coach Bill Belichick, won 24-21.

Steve Sidwell

Sidwell was the defensive coordinator for the New England Patriots in the 1997-1999 seasons, a total of three years. The team made it to the playoffs two times (1997-1998) and had a 1-2 record under Coach Sidwell in playoff games.

Al Groh

Groh was the defensive coordinator for the New England Patriots in the 1993-1996 seasons, a total of four years. Groh's record as the team's defensive coordinator was 32-32-0, making him the third-least successful defensive coordinator in New England Patriots history. The team made it to the playoffs two times (1994, 1996) and had a 2-2 record under Coach Groh in playoff games. In 1996, the New England Patriots faced off against the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XXXI and the Patriots, under the direction of head coach Bill Parcells, lost 21-35.

Joe Collier

Collier was the defensive coordinator for the New England Patriots in the 1991-1992 seasons, a total of two years. Collier's record as the team's defensive coordinator was 8-24-0, making him the least successful defensive coordinator in New England Patriots history.

Charlie Sumner

Sumner was the defensive coordinator for the New England Patriots in the 1973-1978, 1990 seasons, a total of seven years. Sumner's record as the team's defensive coordinator was 47-52-0, making him the second-least successful defensive coordinator in New England Patriots history. The team made it to the playoffs two times (1976, 1978) and had a 0-2 record under Coach Sumner in playoff games.

Rod Rust

Rust was the defensive coordinator for the New England Patriots in the 1983-1987 seasons, a total of five years. The team made it to the playoffs two times (1985-1986) and had a 3-2 record under Coach Rust in playoff games. In 1985, the New England Patriots faced off against the Chicago Bears in Super Bowl XX and the Patriots, under the direction of head coach Raymond Berry, lost 10-46.

Jim E. Mora (Sr.)

Mora (Sr.) was the defensive coordinator for the New England Patriots in the 1982 season. The team made it to the playoffs one time (1982) and had a 0-1 record under Coach Mora (Sr.) in playoff games.


New England Patriots defensive coordinator record

Coach Years Record Win percentage Playoff record
Matt Patricia 2012-2017 75-21-0 78.1% 11-4
Dean Pees 2006-2009 49-15-0 76.6% 4-3
Eric Mangini 2005 10-6-0 62.5% 1-1
Romeo Crennel 2001-2004 48-16-0 75.0% 9-0
Steve Sidwell 1997-1999 27-21-0 56.3% 1-2
Al Groh 1993-1996 32-32-0 50.0% 2-2
Joe Collier 1991-1992 8-24-0 25.0% 0-0
Charlie Sumner 1973-1978, 1990 47-52-0 47.5% 0-2
Rod Rust 1983-1987 47-32-0 59.5% 3-2
Jim E. Mora (Sr.) 1982 5-4-0 55.6% 0-1

New England Patriots defensive coordinator facts

  • Charlie Sumner was the first defensive coordinator in Patriots history in 1973.
  • Charlie Sumner coached the most seasons as the Patriots's defensive coordinator at seven seasons.
  • Matt Patricia was the last coach to hold the position of defensive coordinator, leaving the role after the 2017 season.