Lions’ Terrell Williams Poised to Join Patriots as Defensive Coordinator

DETROIT, Mich. — The Detroit Lions are facing another coaching vacancy as defensive line coach Terrell Williams is reportedly set to join the New England Patriots as their defensive coordinator. The move reunites Williams with newly hired Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel, with whom he previously worked for six seasons with the Tennessee Titans.

Williams, who joined the Lions last offseason, spent six years as the Titans’ defensive line coach under Vrabel. In their final season together in Tennessee, Vrabel promoted Williams to assistant head coach, signaling the strong professional relationship between the two. “I’ve known Terrell a long, long time, and I just think that he’s an absolutely excellent coach,” Lions head coach Dan Campbell said in December. “They give our guys the best opportunity to have success in a game, which is what you want.”

During his lone season in Detroit, Williams made a significant impact on the Lions’ defensive line, mentoring young players like Aidan Hutchinson, Alim McNeill, Levi Onwuzurike, and rookie Mekhi Wingo. Wingo expressed his disappointment on social media, tweeting, “Noooooooooooo,” upon hearing the news of Williams’ departure.

Williams’ departure marks another challenge for Campbell, who will now need to hire his fourth defensive line coach since taking over as Lions head coach. Previous coaches John Scott Jr. and Todd Wash also left after short tenures.

The Lions’ defense showed improvement under Williams, finishing the 2024 season with the sixth-ranked rushing defense, allowing 98.4 yards per game. However, the team struggled with injuries, losing key players like Hutchinson, McNeill, and Marcus Davenport for significant portions of the season. The Lions recorded 37 sacks as a team but failed to produce a double-digit sack performer.

With the Lions’ season over, coaches are now free to pursue other opportunities. Former offensive coordinator Ben Glenn is among the leading candidates for head coaching vacancies with the New York Jets and New Orleans Saints. Meanwhile, the Lions must also fill their open offensive coordinator position.