The New England Patriots have announced a significant shift in their coaching staff, promoting Terrell Williams to a senior role following his battle with prostate cancer. Williams, who missed the entire 2025 season, will contribute to Coach Mike Vrabel‘s staff, as the team seeks to fill the defensive coordinator position.
According to a source close to the team, Williams has recently been cleared to return to work. Coach Vrabel mentioned during a press conference that there are still details to finalize regarding the team’s staff configuration. Zak Kuhr, who served as the defensive playcaller in Williams’ absence, emerges as a leading candidate for the coordinator role.
When Mike Vrabel was appointed head coach of the Patriots in January 2025, he specifically sought Williams for the defensive position, recognizing his ability to forge meaningful connections with players. Williams previously held the role of defensive line coach under Vrabel at the Tennessee Titans, where he earned respect for his coaching style and effectiveness.
In the spring of 2025, Williams experienced what he described as a “health scare,” which kept him from the team during organized team activities. During this period, Kuhr stepped in as the de facto coordinator, showcasing his own capability in the role.
Williams managed to return for training camp and the first week of the regular season. Unfortunately, he had to step away again after receiving his prostate cancer diagnosis. This situation placed Kuhr back into the primary playcalling role. Under his guidance, the Patriots’ defense became a vital part of their journey to Super Bowl LX.
Reports from NFL Network first broke the news of Williams’ new role within the organization. The Patriots are now poised to make decisions about their defensive strategies moving forward, with both Williams and Kuhr potentially contributing to the team’s success in the upcoming season.
As the Patriots continue to navigate these staffing changes, the focus remains on building a resilient team that can perform under pressure, reflecting the determination and spirit that Williams has exhibited throughout his health challenges.
