Patriots’ Pass-Rush Guru Joe Kim Departs After Seven Seasons

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Joe Kim, the New England Patriots‘ director of skill development and a renowned pass-rush specialist, will not return to the team in 2025, marking the end of his seven-season tenure. Kim, whose methods are heavily influenced by martial arts, confirmed his departure in an interview with ESPN‘s Mike Reiss.

“I’ve had nothing but a positive experience with the Patriots,” Kim told Reiss. “The time is right for a new challenge.” Known as “the pass-rush guru” by Alabama head coach Nick Saban during the 2024 college football season, Kim plans to take his unique techniques elsewhere next year.

Kim, a 7th dan black belt in Taekwondo, has worked with 11 NFL teams over his career. His philosophy emphasizes controlling both hands and facing opponents head-on. “We face our opponents. Whenever we fight and do our combatives, we’re always facing our opponents,” Kim explained. “We’ve got to control both hands, not just one hand. My philosophy has always been let’s win fighting our opponent, facing our opponent.”

Patriots defensive linemen have praised Kim’s ability to simplify complex techniques. Trey Flowers, a former Patriots standout, highlighted Kim’s impact ahead of the 2018 season. “He’s definitely someone who has a great knowledge of the game as far as pass rush and the techniques and fundamental things,” Flowers said. “It’s something you probably didn’t look at as far as breaking it down step by step. Maybe you were doing it, but you didn’t focus on it or pay attention to it.”

Despite Kim’s expertise, the Patriots’ pass rush struggled in 2024, finishing last in the NFL with just 28 sacks. The team’s defensive woes coincided with a broader coaching staff overhaul under new head coach Jerod Mayo.

Kim’s departure adds to the list of changes in New England as the franchise looks to rebuild after a disappointing season. His next destination remains unclear, but his reputation as a pass-rush innovator ensures he will be in high demand.