While the Patriots are coming off back-to-back 4-13 seasons, the new coaching staff brings renewed optimism to the franchise.

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.