Buffalo Bills to hire former Patriots defensive coach (report)

The Buffalo Bills are expected to hire ex-Patriots defensive backs coach Mike Pellegrino, according to Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports/247 Sports.

Pellegrino had worked for the Patriots the last 10 seasons, including the last six as cornerbacks coach. He wasn’t retained to be a part of Mike Vrabel’s staff.

Pellegrino, who had a background in lacrosse, was hired by Bill Belichick and quickly transformed into successful defensive backs coach.

He helped three players - Stephon Gilmore, J.C. Jackson, Christian Gonzalez - earn All-Pro recognition.

Jonathan Jones and Gonzalez, speaking with MassLive last week while making the rounds on radio row, both had high praise for Pellegrino and his “work ethic” as a coach.

Pellegrino was reportedly open to staying. So was safeties coach Brian Belichick, who is joining his father at UNC.

Vrabel hired Justin Hamilton, who was an assistant defensive backs coach with the Indianapolis Colts last season. Hamilton, who played for Cleveland and Washington, was a defensive quality control coach for Vrabel in Tennesse in 2023.

Scott Booker is now the safeties coach in New England, taking over for Belichick.