Patriots name Pees new defensive coordinator

The Patriots moved quickly to fill their defensive coordinator position, promoting linebackers coach Dean Pees today.

The 56-year-old Pees spent the last two seasons in his current position, his only two years in the NFL. Pees will replace Eric Mangini, who accepted the Jets' head coaching position today.

Prior to joining the Patriots, Pees was the head coach at Kent State from 1998-2003. He was defensive coordinator at Michigan State from 1995-97, working under Nick Saban. He also worked under Saban, a former Bill Belichick assistant with the Cleveland Browns and current Miami Dolphins coach, at Toledo (1990-93).

Pees's résumé also includes assistant jobs at Notre Dame (1994), the Naval Academy (1987-89), the University of Miami-Ohio (1983-86), and the University of Findlay (1979-82).