Patriots Rumors: New England Hires New Defensive Coordinator

Arguably the two most important Patriots assistant coaches on Mike Vrabel’s staff now are set.

Less than 24 hours after Josh McDaniels reportedly agreed to become New England’s offensive coordinator, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Terrell Williams is set to become the defensive coordinator in Foxboro, Mass. This past Sunday, Williams was cited as Vrabel’s “ideal pick” to replace DeMarcus Covington.

Williams was the Titans defensive line coach for all six of Vrabel’s seasons as Tennessee’s head coach. The 50-year-old added a new responsibility in his final campaign in Nashville where he was assistant head coach in 2023. Leading up to that regular season, Vrabel turned to Williams to serve as head coach for a Titans exhibition game.

The Los Angeles native coached at the college level from 1998 to 2011 before he broke into NFL coaching with the Raiders in 2012. Williams spent three seasons with the Silver and Black before a three-year run with the Miami Dolphins. Most recently, Williams was the Detroit Lions defensive line coach and run-game coordinator for the 2024 season.

Williams is set to take on a Patriots defense that ranked 21st this season in total yards allowed per game. New England could stand to make a few key additions on that side of the football, but several young Patriots are in line to greatly benefit from Williams’ teachings.