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Terrell Williams Reveals Big Reason for Joining the Patriots

Newly hired New England Patriots defensive coordinator Terrell Williams recently revealed who played a major role in his joining the franchise.

By Devon Platana

New Patriots defensive coordinator Terrell Williams talks with Line Judge Daniel Gallagher (85) at Soldier Field.
New Patriots defensive coordinator Terrell Williams talks with Line Judge Daniel Gallagher (85) at Soldier Field. / Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images
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The Mike Vrabel era has officially begun in New England and the Patriots' new head coach hasn't wasted any time hiring his coaching staff. Not only is offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels back for his third stint with the Patriots but Terrell Williams has also been brought on as the defensive coordinator, too.

For Williams, 50, it's his first time coordinating a defense. He previously spent the 2024 campaign as the Detroit Lions defensive line coach/run game coordinator, leaving many to wonder why he'd join the rebuilding Patriots after being part of a team that just went 15-2.

After much speculation, Williams has finally revealed which "big draw" led him to the Patriots.

Patriots News: Mike Vrabel Drew Terrell Williams to New England

Williams recently discussed his decision to move to New England. Unsurprisingly, his relationship with Vrabel was the main reason he accepted the Patriots DC job.

"A big reason for coming here was Mike Vrabel. Just believing in him and who he is," Williams said in a video posted to the Patriots' social media pages. "I know what he is as a coach. I know who he is as a family man, so that’s important to me. So just having the chance to get back with Mike was a big, big draw for me.”

Williams and Vrabel fostered quite the connection during the duo's time with the Tennessee Titans.

They were both hired in 2018 with Vrabel as the head coach and Williams handled the defensive line before eventually adding assistant head coaching duties to his role in 2023. It was a solid six-year run that saw three playoff appearances, two division titles, and an AFC Championship Game appearance.

The pair were dismissed by the Titans ahead of the 2024 campaign, resulting in Williams joining the Lions while Vrabel worked with the Cleveland Browns in an advisory role. Fast forward to the current offseason when the reunited coaches hope to have a similar impact on the Patriots as they did on the Titans.

Under Williams' watch, the Lions had one of the best D-lines in the NFL last year as their defense ranked highly on Pro Football Focus in terms of run defense (9th), tackling (3rd), and pass rushing (11th). Although the Patriots owned the second-best tackling grade, their poor marks for run stoppage (25th) and pass rushing (28th) prove why they need Williams' help.

Patriots fans will know more about what Williams brings to the table in the coming months. Newly hired head coaches can officially begin their offseason workouts on Monday, Apr. 7.

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