The latest news regarding New England Patriots defensive coordinator is not what anyone wanted to hear, as head coach Mike Vrabel issued an update ahead of Week 4.
Williams, New England’s first-year defensive coordinator, was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer, Vrabel announced in his Sept. 26 press conference.
“I unfortunately have to tell you that Terrell Williams was determined to have prostate cancer and is in the process of treatment and meeting with specialists,” Vrabel told reporters. “And they’re figuring out the best plan of attack to be able to attack this and heal it and fix it and allow him to get back to better health.”
Vrabel Announces Prostate Cancer Diagnosis for Patriots DC
Vrabel didn’t offer any other details and said Williams would address his situation himself at some point when he’s ready to do so. It’s a big blow to the Patriots’ coaching staff, but Vrabel made it clear the priority is getting Williams healthy for his own sake above all else.
“We know how much Terrell means to me and the people on this football team, so again, we want to send our regards and publicly let everyone know what he’s dealing with,” Vrabel said. “When he’s ready to talk, he’ll talk on his behalf, but I wanted to let you know that’s what’s going on.”
As for the Patriots’ defensive operation, linebackers coach Zak Kuhr will continue as the team’s play caller. Kuhr has called the New England defense for each of the team’s last two games after the Patriots announced Williams’ leave of absence following Week 1.
“We’ll continue as we have been, with Zak calling the defenses. I think that went well, the organization through the week, the communication hasn’t missed a beat whatsoever. I think those guys are doing a great job over there,” Vrabel added.
Vrabel, Williams Partnership Built on Mutual Respect
Williams has long been a loyal assistant to Vrabel, joining him in Tennessee in 2018 when Vrabel was still the head coach of the Titans. Williams made a clear impression on Vrabel, who then brought the veteran coach with him to New England and made him the DC.
“The respect I have for him, the way that he goes about his business, the way he treats people, the way he treats coaches and players, he has a great grasp of it,” Vrabel told The Athletic in 2024. “He got along and had relationships with offensive coaches, special teams coaches, defensive coaches. He knows what he believes. He’s a good football coach, a great husband, great father.”
And while Vrabel thinks the Patriots are suited to handle Williams’ absence this weekend against Carolina and moving forward, he also admitted the team will have their DC and his family in their thoughts even as he’s away getting treatment.
“(I’m) really comfortable with we’re at and where we’re operating, but our thoughts and our prayers … are with him and his family, and they’ve been through a lot, and we care about him.”
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