Defensive coordinator Terrell Williams back with Patriots after offseason health scare

Defensive coordinator Terrell Williams back with Patriots after offseason health scare
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Head coach Mike Vrabel confirmed Williams’ return at a Tuesday press conference.

The New England Patriots have their defensive coordinator back. Terrell Williams has returned to the team after missing a majority of the offseason following what he described as an “eye-opening” and “life-changing” health scare.

Mike Vrabel confirmed Williams’ status on Tuesday morning at his pre-training camp press conference at Gillette Stadium.

“Big T is here, ready to go,” the Patriots’ first-year head coach 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.”

Williams arrived in Foxborough earlier this offseason alongside Vrabel. The pair had previously worked together in Tennessee, where Vrabel served as head coach from 2018 to 2023 and Williams as his defensive line coach. After Vrabel’s firing from the Titans in January 2024, Williams joined the Detroit Lions in the same position.

One year later, he reunited with Vrabel in New England. When the former linebacker got hired by his ex-team, he picked his ex-assistant to coordinate his defense.

“He’s the only D-line coach that I’ve had. Just a great reach to every player on the football team,” Vrabel said about the 50-year-old.

“Saw him reach young offensive linemen that were across the ball, but he worked with extensively in different drills or pass rush drills. Got a great perspective. I think that’s helped my personally reach guys that maybe I haven’t been able to reach. Been a great mentor for young coaches as well. I think our players have always responded very well; his units have always been prepared and productive no matter who he was coaching.”

Following his health scare, Williams spent multiple months at his Detroit home. He participated in the team’s offseason preparation remotely, while inside linebackers coach Zak Kuhr served as a replacement coordinator on the ground.

Now, the original coaching staff structure on the defensive side of the ball has been restored.

The Patriots will hold their first practice on Wednesday, July 23, at 10:15 a.m. ET.