Mike Vrabel has already found his new offensive coordinator. Now, it sounds like the new Patriots head coach is zeroing in on his defensive coordinator. According to Matt Zenitz CBS Sports, the Patriots are targeting Lions DL coach Terrell Williams for their DC gig.
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Albert Breer of TheMMQB provides some more insight, noting that the Patriots requested and were granted permission to interview Williams. The Patriots have also spoken to the coach (although it sounds like conversation this was more informal than an official interview), and people within the Lions organization are expecting Williams to head east.
Williams was one of Vrabel’s most-trusted lieutenants during their time in Tennessee, where Williams served as assistant head coach in addition to his duties as defensive line coach. The duo worked alongside each other for their entire five-year stint with the Titans, and that relationship automatically made Williams a name-to-watch for the Patriots DC gig.
Over his five years as the Titans DL coach, the team allowed the fourth-fewest rushing yards in the NFL. The coach was credited with the development of Denico Autry, who compiled at least eight sacks in three-straight seasons, and former first-round pick Jeffery Simmons, who earned a pair of All-Pro nods under Williams’ tutelage. After the Titans cleaned house last offseason, Williams joined the Lions as their run-game coordinator/defensive line coach.
While the fate of Jerod Mayo‘s staff was uncertain, it seemed pretty clear that Vrabel would look to bring in his own coaches. DeMarcus Covington was New England’s DC in 2024, with the Patriots ranking just outside the bottom-10 in points allowed and yards allowed.