Patriots Defensive Coordinator Set to Return After Health Scare

New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel hired longtime assistant Terrell Williams for the defensive coordinator spot in his first season with the team.

The new Patriots DC was not present at the team’s rookie minicamp, minicamp and organized team activities due to a health scare. Williams was reportedly back home in Detroit, focusing on his health.

Inside linebackers coach Zak Kuhr was leading the defense in Williams’ absence. Kuhr was unsure when Williams would return to the team.

Ahead of the first day of training camp, Vrabel confirmed Williams has returned to the team.

“Big T is here, ready to go,” Vrabel said. “He’s been out on the field with us the last couple of days. Players were excited to see him. I was excited to see him. And we’ll move forward.”

The New Patriots’ defensive coordinator was the defensive line coach during Vrabel’s tenure with the Tennessee Titans from 2018-24. Vrabel elevated him to an assistant head coach alongside his DL duties in their last season in Nashville.

Williams was the defensive line coach and run game coordinator with the Detroit Lions last season, before reuniting with Vrabel in Foxborough.

“He’s the D-line coach that I’ve had. Just a great reach to every player on the football team,” Vrabel said. “I think he’s helped me personally to reach guys that maybe I haven’t been able to reach. He’s been a great mentor for young coaches as well. And I think our players have always responded very well. And his units have been prepared and productive, no matter who he was coaching.”

Terrell Williams Producing Defensive Talent

Terrell Williams was able to develop multiple Pro Bowl talents during his time with the Titans.

New Patriots EDGE Harold Landry achieved his highest sack season under Williams, 12.5 sacks in the 2021-22 season.

Defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons was a two-time second-team All-Pro, logging 16 sacks in those two seasons.

Williams will help a Patriots defense that recorded the lowest number of sacks last season at 27 under former DC DeMarcus Covington.

With a bolstered defense, the Patriots’ D-line appears to have a big season ahead of them.

Involved While Not At Practice

The health scare isn’t slowing down Terrell Williams and his new role with the Patriots.

While not being present with the players in person, defensive coordinator Williams has been in contact with them remotely.

“Coach T is still with us; we see him every single day on Zoom,” Patriots linebacker Christian Elliss said. “His energy is not unfelt. We still get to hear his energy, hear his voice. He gives us the corrections that we need to get. He’s still our DC and still leads this group.”

With Williams returning to the practice field, the Patriots’ defense can expect to ramp up the energy in person. The first day of training camp begins on July 23rd.