New England Patriots defensive coordinator Terrell Williams, now cancer-free after battling prostate cancer, is being promoted to a senior role on Mike Vrabel’s coaching staff, leaving the defensive coordinator job vacant, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported Thursday.
Inside linebackers coach Zak Kuhr, who took over for Williams and received positive reviews for his play during the Pats’ Super Bowl run, is the top prospect, according to Rapoport and Pelissero.
Williams, 51, has a long history with Vrabel dating back to their time together at Tennessee when Williams was the defensive line coach from 2018-2022 before being named assistant coach under Vrabel in 2023.
Williams was hired as the Patriots DC when Vrabel was hired last season. Williams called the defense in the team’s opener against the Las Vegas Raiders, but sat out the next few days to deal with the cancer diagnosis.