Pats Pulpit
Mike Vrabel announced that inside linebackers coach Zak Kuhr has taken over Williams’ role.
The New England Patriots are starting their 2025 rookie minicamp on Friday, and there will be one prominent absence. Defensive coordinator Terrell Williams will not be on the field, as was announced by head coach Mike Vrabel during a press conference.
According to Vrabel, the 50-year-old is “working through a medical condition” and that the two have “been in constant communication.”
“Terrell’s eager to get back, and we’re excited to get him back,” Vrabel added. “He’s still been in contact with the players through Zoom, and with myself and the rest of the coaching staff.”
Williams arrived in New England earlier this offseason to reunite with Vrabel. The pair previously worked together in Tennessee from 2018 to 2023, when Vrabel served as the Titans’ head coach and Williams as their defensive line coach.
Following a one-year stint as defensive line coach with the Detroit Lions, Williams was offered the Patriots’ vacant defensive coordinator position. In his absence, the responsibilities associated with it will be handled by inside linebackers coach Zak Kuhr, Vrabel said.
“Just feel like Zak has a great knowledge of what we’ve done here in the past with me and this system and Terrell,” Vrabel said.
Vrabel mentioned that he would not provide any timeline for Williams, but that he would be made available by the team later on Friday. The Patriots have since announced that their the defensive coordinator will host a video conference call at 4:30 p.m. ET.
