New England Patriots defensive coordinator Terrell Williams, now cancer free after battling prostate cancer, is being moved to a high-ranking role within Mike Vrabel’s coaching staff, leaving a vacancy at defensive coordinator, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported on Thursday.
Inside linebackers coach Zak Kuhr, who filled in for Williams and drew positive marks for his play-calling during the Pats’ run to the Super Bowl, is a top candidate, per Rapoport and Pelissero.
Williams, 51, has a long history with Vrabel dating back to their time together in Tennessee when Williams was defensive line coach from 2018-2022 before gaining the title of assistant head coach under Vrabel in 2023.
Williams was hired as the Patriots DC upon Vrabel’s hiring this past offseason. Williams called defense in the team’s season opener against the Las Vegas Raiders, but stepped away in the days following to deal with his cancer diagnosis.