Terrell Williams is staying on Mike Vrabel’s staff — just not as defensive coordinator.
Williams, who is now cancer free after battling prostate cancer during the season, is expected to transition into a senior-level role within the New England Patriots’ coaching staff, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported Thursday. The move creates a vacancy at defensive coordinator.
Inside linebackers coach Zak Kuhr has emerged as a leading candidate to fill the position. Kuhr took over defensive play-calling duties when Williams stepped away following his diagnosis and received strong reviews during New England’s run to Super Bowl LX.
Williams, 51, has longstanding ties to Vrabel dating back to their time together with the Tennessee Titans. He served as Tennessee’s defensive line coach from 2018-2022 and was promoted to assistant head coach in 2023. When Vrabel was hired by the Patriots this past offseason, Williams followed as defensive coordinator.
He called the defense in New England’s season opener against the Las Vegas Raiders but stepped away shortly thereafter to focus on treatment.
Despite the midseason change, the Patriots’ defense excelled in 2025, finishing fourth in points allowed and eighth in total yards allowed. Following the team’s Super Bowl loss to the Seattle Seahawks, Vrabel said Williams had been medically cleared to return and that staff decisions would be addressed in the coming weeks.
While Kuhr appears positioned to assume the defensive coordinator role full time, no official announcement has been made.
