The Buffalo Bills are expected to hire former Patriots defensive backs coach Mike Pellegrino, as reported by Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports/247 Sports.
Pellegrino spent the last decade with the Patriots, including the last six years as the cornerbacks coach. However, he was not retained when Mike Vrabel formed his coaching staff.
Originally from a lacrosse background, Pellegrino was brought on by Bill Belichick and quickly became a successful defensive backs coach. Under his guidance, three players—Stephon Gilmore, J.C. Jackson, and Christian Gonzalez—earned All-Pro honors.
Both Jonathan Jones and Gonzalez, speaking to MassLive during radio row last week, praised Pellegrino for his work ethic as a coach.
While Pellegrino was reportedly open to staying with the Patriots, he will be leaving, as will safeties coach Brian Belichick, who is joining his father at UNC. Vrabel has hired Justin Hamilton, formerly the assistant defensive backs coach with the Indianapolis Colts, as part of his staff. Hamilton had also served as a defensive quality control coach for Vrabel in Tennessee during 2023.
Scott Booker is now taking over as the safeties coach for New England, replacing Belichick.
