New England Patriots - NESN.com
After the New England Patriots hired Mike Vrabel as their new head coach this offseason, he quickly assembled his coaching staff. At defensive coordinator, he hired former Detroit Lions defensive line coach and run game coordinator Terrell Williams, who previously worked with Vrabel on the Tennessee Titans.
Williams has been tasked with getting New England’s defense back on track. After being one of the best units in the league in 2023, they took a major step back in 2024, despite having a relatively similar group of players at their disposal.
Throughout the offseason, though, Williams has dealt with a couple of health scares that have forced him to spend some time away from the team. Williams missed time during the spring with an unknown medical condition, and he collapsed during one of the Patriots’ training camp practices earlier this month due to dehydration.
Add in the fact that Williams is adjusting to a role he has never taken on during his time as a coach in the NFL, and it’s been a pretty hectic offseason for him. However, with Week 1 drawing near, Williams revealed to reporters that he is feeling good ahead of the new season.
“I’m ready to go, that’s why I’m here,” Williams said on Tuesday morning. “Camp has been good. I feel great. Guys are practicing hard, so it’s been a good camp so far.”
The Patriots spent big in free agency on defense, with guys like Milton Williams, Harold Landry III, Carlton Davis III and Robert Spillane highlighting their additions. Add in holdover players like Christian Gonzalez, Jabrill Peppers and Christian Barmore, and this unit has the makings of being a strong defense.
The offseason may not have gone the way Williams was expecting it to, but that hasn’t stopped him from getting his guys ready for the 2025 campaign. If all goes according to plan, the Patriots’ defense could be in a great spot for a bounce-back season with Williams leading the way now.
