Patriots Notes: Williams, Barmore, Hollins
Terrell Williams was hired by the Patriots last offseason to be the team’s defensive coordinator. He was away from the organization during minicamp while dealing with a medical issue, and it was later revealed that the 51-year-old had been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Linebackers coach Zak Kuhr took over the defensive play-calling duties and retained that responsibility for the entire regular season and playoffs.
Williams returned late in the year but did not travel for away games, and he later announced that he was cancer-free. To avoid any confusion about roles heading into the 2026 offseason, Mike Vrabel quickly transitioned Williams to a “high-ranking” job on his staff, with Kuhr eventually being named the full-time DC.
We’ve now got clarity on Williams’ new role for next season, as the team announced that he’s been named assistant head coach. Williams actually held that same role with the Titans during Vrabel’s final season in Tennessee, and his familiarity with his boss clearly played a role in him sticking in New England. When recently describing his assistant’s new gig, Vrabel noted that Williams will continue to have a major influence on the defensive line.
“It’s going to be a strong role on the defense,” Vrabel said (via ESPN’s Mike Reiss). “He’s going to act as a coordinator in presenting information and ideas and making sure we’re really solid across the front from our edges to the interior. We have some guys inside that I think can continue to develop and grow, whether that’s Milt [Williams], Christian [Barmore] or anybody else. I think those guys can continue to get better; Terrell will have a large hand in that, but he’s also going to be able to help me and be an extension of me throughout our program.”
The Patriots announced the rest of their 2026 coaching staff the other day, with the team returning many of their coaches from last year. One name who wasn’t included on this year’s list was Ben McAdoo, who served as a senior assistant in 2025. Reiss recently wrote that the veteran coach didn’t have his contract option exercised, leading to some uncertainty about his status with the organization. McAdoo’s absence from the team’s announcement indicates that he won’t be back with the Patriots in 2026.
More notes out of New England…
- Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore was arrested on a domestic assault charge late last year, but prosecutors dropped the case last week, per a report from WCVB in Boston. The 26-year-old was in court for a potential arraignment, but the prosecutor eventually determined that the case was “not viable” since it featured a “delayed complaint” coupled with the victim’s “mixed emotions about whether she wanted to go forward.” The victim claimed she had an argument with Barmore in 2025 that ultimately led to a physical incident that caused bruising. Barmore could still be subject to discipline by the NFL based on the personal conduct policy.
- Last month, the Patriots handed Mack Hollins‘ $400K for a missed incentive, per OverTheCap.com. The wideout didn’t hit the bonus after his late-season stint on injured reserve, but the Patriots still decided to pay out the extra cash. The veteran’s first season in New England saw him haul in 46 catches for 550 yards and two touchdowns before adding another 129 yards and a score in two postseason games.
- We’ve got a handful of updates on New England’s recent free agent signings. Per ESPN’s Mike Reiss, tight end Julian Hill got a three-year, $15MM deal from the Patriots that could hit up to $18MM via incentives. The contract contains $7.5MM in guaranteed money, including a $4.2MM signing bonus. Meanwhile, Ben Volin of the Boston Globe reports that fullback Reggie Gilliam got a three-year deal worth a max value of $12MM, with $6MM in guaranteed money owed through the first two years. Finally, Reiss reports that safety Kevin Byard‘s one-year deal with the Patriots is worth $7MM, with the potential for up to $9MM in earnings. Byard got a $3.5MM signing bonus and will earn $6.17MM in guaranteed money.
2026 NFL Offensive/Defensive Coordinator Search Tracker
The 2026 head coaching carousel has now seen 10 jobs open since the start of the offseason, as the Bills have fired Sean McDermott. HC firings generally lead to coordinator changes, and several other teams have proceeded with OC or DC moves to start their offseasons. Here are the current OC and DC searches transpiring. As the remaining HC searches conclude, more coordinator searches will be added to this list.
Updated 2-23-26 (10:40pm CT)
Offensive Coordinators
Arizona Cardinals (Out: Drew Petzing)
- Nathaniel Hackett, quarterbacks coach (Dolphins): Hired
Atlanta Falcons (Out: Zac Robinson)
- Bryan McClendon, wide receivers coach (Buccaneers): Interview requested
- Tommy Rees, offensive coordinator (Browns): Hired
- Drew Terrell, wide receivers coach (Cardinals): Interviewed 1/20
Baltimore Ravens (Out: Todd Monken)
- Joe Brady, offensive coordinator (Bills): Mentioned as candidate
- Declan Doyle, offensive coordinator (Bears): Hired
- Kliff Kingsbury, former offensive coordinator (Commanders): Interviewed 1/12
- Mike McDaniel, former head coach (Dolphins): Mentioned as candidate
- Scottie Montgomery, wide receivers coach (Lions): To interview
- Davis Webb, quarterbacks coach (Broncos): Interview requested
Buffalo Bills (Out: Joe Brady)
- Pete Carmichael Jr., senior offensive assistant (Broncos): Hire expected
Chicago Bears (Out: Declan Doyle)
- Connor Senger, pass-game coordinator (Cardinals): Interview requested
- Press Taylor, pass-game coordinator (Bears): Promoted
- Troy Walters, wide receivers coach (Bengals): Declined interview
Cleveland Browns (Out: Tommy Rees)
- Travis Switzer, run-game coordinator (Ravens): Hired
Denver Broncos (Out: Joe Lombardi)
- Ronald Curry, quarterbacks coach (Bills): Interviewed
- Brian Johnson, pass-game coordinator (Commanders): Interviewed
- Davis Webb, quarterbacks coach (Broncos): Promoted
Detroit Lions (Out: John Morton)
- David Blough, quarterbacks coach (Commanders): Mentioned as candidate; promoted to Washington OC
- Mike Kafka, former interim head coach (Giants): Interviewed 1/14
- Tee Martin, quarterbacks coach (Ravens): Interviewed
- Mike McDaniel, former head coach (Dolphins): Interviewed 1/13
- Jake Peetz, pass-game coordinator (Seahawks): Interviewed
- Drew Petzing, former offensive coordinator (Cardinals): Hired
- Zac Robinson, offensive coordinator (Falcons): Interviewed 1/15
- Arthur Smith, offensive coordinator (Steelers): Interview requested
Kansas City Chiefs (Out: Matt Nagy)
- Eric Bieniemy, running backs coach (Bears): Rehired
Las Vegas Raiders (Out: Greg Olson)
- Andrew Janocko, quarterbacks coach (Seahawks): Hired
- Frisman Jackson, wide receivers coach (Seahawks): To interview
Los Angeles Chargers (Out: Greg Roman)
- Marcus Brady, pass-game coordinator (Chargers): Interviewed 1/15
- Brian Callahan, former head coach (Titans): Interviewed 1/16
- Brian Daboll, former head coach (Giants): To interview
- Shane Day, quarterbacks coach (Chargers): Interviewed 1/15
- Mike McDaniel, former head coach (Dolphins): Hired
- Arthur Smith, offensive coordinator (Steelers): Interviewed 1/19
- Drew Terrell, wide receivers coach (Cardinals): Interviewed 1/19
- Davis Webb, quarterbacks coach (Broncos): Rumored candidate
Los Angeles Rams (Out: Mike LaFleur)
- Dave Ragone, quarterbacks coach (Rams): Title enhanced
- Nate Scheelhaase, pass-game coordinator (Rams): Promoted
Miami Dolphins (Out: Frank Smith)
- Jerrod Johnson, quarterbacks coach (Texans): Interview requested
- Bobby Slowik, passing game coordinator (Dolphins): Promoted
New York Giants (Out: Mike Kafka)
- Brian Callahan, former head coach (Titans): Interview expected
- Jim Bob Cooter, offensive coordinator (Colts): Interviewed 2/1
- Shane Day, quarterbacks coach (Chargers): To interview
- Kliff Kingsbury, former offensive coordinator (Commanders): Interviewed 1/31
- Todd Monken, offensive coordinator (Ravens): Hire expected
- Matt Nagy, former offensive coordinator (Chiefs): Hired
- Robert Prince, wide receivers coach (Dolphins): Interviewed 1/23
- Willie Taggart, running backs coach (Ravens): Joining staff in different capacity
- Alex Tanney, pass-game coordinator (Colts): Interviewed 1/30
- Davis Webb, quarterbacks coach (Broncos): Interview requested
- Charlie Weis Jr., offensive coordinator (LSU): Mentioned as candidate
New York Jets (Out: Tanner Engstrand)
- Darrell Bevell, passing game coordinator (Dolphins): Conducted second interview 2/1
- Ronald Curry, quarterbacks coach (Bills): Interviewed 1/28
- Jon Gruden, former head coach (Raiders): Declined Jets’ overtures
- Frank Reich, former head coach (Panthers): Hired
- Greg Roman, former offensive coordinator (Chargers): Interviewed 1/28; considered finalist
- Lunda Wells, tight ends coach (Cowboys): Interviewed 1/28
Philadelphia Eagles (Out: Kevin Patullo)
- Klayton Adams, offensive coordinator (Cowboys): Interview blocked
- Jim Bob Cooter, offensive coordinator (Colts): Conducted second interview 1/28
- Brian Daboll, former head coach (Giants): Interviewed 1/20
- Declan Doyle, offensive coordinator (Bears): Interview requested; withdrew from search
- Josh Grizzard, former offensive coordinator (Buccaneers): Conducted second interview 1/28
- Jerrod Johnson, quarterbacks coach (Texans): Conducted second interview 1/29
- Mike Kafka, former interim head coach (Giants): Interviewed 1/17
- Sean Mannion, quarterbacks coach (Packers): Hired
- Mike McDaniel, former head coach (Dolphins): To interview
- Matt Nagy, former offensive coordinator (Chiefs): Interviewed 1/21
- Zac Robinson, offensive coordinator (Falcons): Interviewed 1/16
- Bobby Slowik, senior pass-game coordinator (Dolphins): Interviewed 1/23
- Frank Smith, former offensive coordinator (Dolphins): Interviewed
- Davis Webb, quarterbacks coach (Broncos): Interview requested
- Charlie Weis Jr., offensive coordinator (LSU): Withdrew from search
Pittsburgh Steelers (Out: Arthur Smith)
- Brian Angelichio, tight ends coach (Vikings): Hired
- Scott Tolzien, quarterbacks coach (Saints): Interviewed 2/2; withdrew from consideration
- Lunda Wells, tight ends coach (Cowboys): Interview expected
Seattle Seahawks (Out: Klint Kubiak)
- John Benton, offensive line coach (Seahawks): Rumored candidate
- Mack Brown, tight ends coach (Seahawks): Interviewed 2/13
- Brian Fleury, tight ends coach (49ers): Hired
- Hank Fraley, offensive line coach (Lions): Rumored candidate
- Andrew Janocko, quarterbacks coach (Seahawks): Interviewed 2/12
- Mike Kafka, former interim head coach (Giants): Rumored candidate
- Justin Outten, run-game specialist (Seahawks): Interviewed 2/13
- Jake Peetz, pass-game coordinator (Seahawks): Interviewed 2/12
- Connor Senger, pass-game specialist (Cardinals): To interview
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Out: Josh Grizzard)
- Brian Callahan, former head coach (Titans): To conduct second interview 1/22
- Mike Kafka, former interim head coach (Giants): Interviewed
- Mike McDaniel, former head coach (Dolphins): Interviewed 1/16
- Todd Monken, offensive coordinator (Ravens): Interviewed
- Dan Pitcher, offensive coordinator (Bengals): Interviewed 1/21
- Zac Robinson, offensive coordinator (Falcons): Hired
- David Shaw, pass-game coordinator (Lions): Interviewed 1/10
- Israel Woolfork, quarterbacks coach (Cardinals): Interviewed 1/10
Tennessee Titans (Out: Nick Holz)
- Brian Daboll, former head coach (Giants): Hired
- Kliff Kingsbury, former offensive coordinator (Commanders): Interviewed 1/26
- Thad Lewis, former quarterbacks coach (Buccaneers): Interviewed 1/26
- Mike McDaniel, former head coach (Dolphins): Mentioned as candidate
- Bobby Slowik, senior pass-game coordinator (Dolphins): Mentioned as candidate
- Arthur Smith, offensive coordinator (Steelers): Interviewed
- Adam Stenavich, offensive coordinator (Packers): Interviewed 1/26
Washington Commanders (Out: Kliff Kingsbury)
- David Blough, quarterbacks coach (Commanders): Promoted
- Brian Johnson, pass-game coordinator (Commanders): Interviewed
- Tee Martin, quarterbacks coach (Ravens): Interview scheduled
- David Raih, tight ends coach (Commanders): Interviewed
- Drew Terrell, pass-game coordinator (Cardinals): Interviewed 1/9
- Lunda Wells, tight ends coach (Cowboys): Interviewed 1/8
Defensive Coordinators
Arizona Cardinals
- Gus Bradley, assistant head coach (49ers): Rumored candidate
- Charlie Bullen, outside linebackers coach (Giants): Interview requested; withdrew from search
- Don Martindale, defensive coordinator (Michigan): Mentioned as candidate
- Aubrey Pleasant, defensive pass-game coordinator (Rams): Interviewed 2/9
- Nick Rallis, defensive coordinator (Cardinals): Retained
- Karl Scott, defensive backs coach (Seahawks): Interviewed
- Dino Vasso, defensive backs coach (Texans): Interview requested; withdrew from search
Baltimore Ravens (Out: Zach Orr)
- Joe Cullen, defensive line coach (Chiefs): Interview requested
- Jim Leonhard, defensive backs coach (Broncos): Interviewed 1/30
- Anthony Weaver, former defensive coordinator (Dolphins): Hired
Buffalo Bills (Out: Bobby Babich)
- Jim Leonhard, defensive backs coach (Broncos): Hired
Cleveland Browns (Out: Jim Schwartz)
- Ephraim Banda, safeties coach (Browns): Interviewed 2/7
- Charlie Bullen, defensive pass-game coordinator (Giants): Interview requested; withdrew from search
- Jonathan Cooley, defensive pass-game coordinator (Panthers): Interview requested
- Aubrey Pleasant, defensive pass-game coordinator (Rams): Interviewed 2/9
- Mike Rutenberg, defensive pass-game coordinator (Falcons): Hired
- Jason Tarver, linebackers coach (Browns): Interviewed 2/7; finalist
- Cory Undlin, defensive pass-game coordinator (Texans): Held in-person interview 2/14; finalist
- Dino Vasso, defensive backs coach (Texans): Mentioned as candidate; withdrew from search
Dallas Cowboys (Out: Matt Eberflus)
- Ephraim Banda, safeties coach (Browns): Interviewed 1/9
- Charlie Bullen, interim defensive coordinator (Giants): Interviewed 1/15
- DeMarcus Covington, defensive line coach (Packers): Interviewed 1/16
- Jonathan Gannon, former head coach (Cardinals): To conduct second interview 1/20
- Daronte Jones, defensive backs coach (Vikings): Conducted second interview 1/17
- Jim Leonhard, defensive backs coach (Broncos): Interviewed 1/10
- Zach Orr, defensive coordinator (Ravens): Interviewed
- Christian Parker, defensive backs coach (Eagles): Hired
- Matt Patricia, defensive coordinator (Ohio State): Mentioned as candidate
- Jeff Ulbrich, defensive coordinator (Falcons): Interview blocked
- Aaron Whitecotton, defensive line coach (Cowboys): Interviewed
Green Bay Packers (Out: Jeff Hafley)
- Jonathan Gannon, former head coach (Cardinals): Hired
- Al Harris, defensive backs coach (Bears): Interviewed 1/21
- Daronte Jones, defensive backs coach (Vikings): Interviewed 1/22
- Christian Parker, defensive backs coach (Eagles): To interview
Las Vegas Raiders (Out: Patrick Graham)
- DeMarcus Covington, defensive run game coordinator (Packers): To interview
- Joe Cullen, defensive line coach (Chiefs): Rumored candidate
- Jeff Howard, safeties coach (Seahawks): To interview 2/14
- Rob Leonard, run-game coordinator (Raiders): Promoted
- Zach Orr, former defensive coordinator (Ravens): Interview requested
- Aubrey Pleasant, defensive pass-game coordinator (Rams): To interview 2/13
- Jim Schwartz, defensive coordinator (Browns): Rumored candidate
- Karl Scott, defensive backs coach (Seahawks): Rumored candidate, to stay in Seattle
- Jason Tarver, linebackers coach (Browns): Rumored candidate
- Dino Vasso, defensive backs coach (Texans): Mentioned as candidate, withdrew from search
- Joe Woods, defensive backs coach (Raiders): Rumored candidate
Los Angeles Chargers (Out: Jesse Minter)
- Steve Clinkscale, defensive backs coach (Chargers): Interviewed 1/26
- Adam Fuller, safeties coach (Chargers): Interviewed 1/26
- Jim Leonhard, defensive backs coach (Broncos): Interviewed 1/28
- Chris O’Leary, defensive coordinator (Western Michigan): Hired
- Zach Orr, defensive coordinator (Ravens): Interviewed 1/23
- Aubrey Pleasant, pass-game coordinator (Rams): Interviewed 1/24
- Dylan Roney, outside linebackers coach (Chargers): Interviewed 1/26
- Dennard Wilson, former defensive coordinator (Titans): Interviewed 1/23
Miami Dolphins (Out: Anthony Weaver)
- Sean Duggan, former linebackers coach (Packers): Hired
- Clint Hurtt, defensive line coach (Eagles): Interviewed
New England Patriots (Out: Terrell Williams)
- Ephraim Banda, safeties coach (Browns): Interviewed
- Shane Bowen, defensive coordinator (Giants): Mentioned as candidate
- Zak Kuhr, linebackers coach (Patriots): Clear frontrunner
- Jim Schwartz, defensive coordinator (Browns): Mentioned as candidate
New York Giants (Out: Shane Bowen)
- Daronte Jones, defensive backs coach (Vikings): Interviewed 1/22
- Anthony Weaver, defensive coordinator (Dolphins): Mentioned as candidate
- Dennard Wilson, former defensive coordinator (Titans): Hired
New York Jets (Out: Steve Wilks)
- Mathieu Araujo, cornerbacks coach (Dolphins): Interviewed
- Ephraim Banda, safeties coach (Browns): Interviewed
- DeMarcus Covington, defensive line coach (Packers): Interviewed
- Brian Duker, pass-game coordinator (Dolphins): Hired
- Chris Harris, interim defensive coordinator (Jets): Interviewed 1/18
- Daronte Jones, defensive backs coach (Vikings): Interviewed
- Jim Leonhard, defensive backs coach (Broncos): Interviewed
- Don Martindale, defensive coordinator (Michigan): Conducted second interview 1/24
- Jim O’Neil, defensive assistant/safeties (Lions): Interviewed
Pittsburgh Steelers (Out: Teryl Austin)
- Patrick Graham, defensive coordinator (Raiders): Hired
- Jason Simmons, pass-game coordinator (Commanders): To interview; hired for different role
San Francisco 49ers (Out: Robert Saleh)
- Gus Bradley, assistant head coach (49ers): Interviewed
- Raheem Morris, former head coach (Falcons): Hired
- Jim Schwartz, defensive coordinator (Browns): Rumored candidate
- Joe Woods, defensive backs coach (Raiders): Interviewed
Tennessee Titans (Out: Dennard Wilson)
- Gus Bradley, assistant head coach (49ers): Hired
- Aaron Whitecotton, defensive line coach (Cowboys): Interview requested; hired as DL coach
- Al Harris, defensive backs coach (Bears): Interviewed 1/24
- Mike Rutenberg, defensive pass-game coordinator (Falcons): Interview requested
- Dino Vasso, defensive backs coach (Texans): Interviewed 1/24
Washington Commanders (Out: Joe Whitt)
- Teryl Austin, defensive coordinator (Steelers): Interviewed
- Joe Cullen, defensive line coach (Chiefs): Interviewed 1/9
- Brian Flores, former defensive coordinator (Vikings): Interviewed 1/14
- Jonathan Gannon, former head coach (Cardinals): Interviewed 1/15
- Patrick Graham, defensive coordinator (Raiders): Interview requested
- Al Harris, defensive backs coach (Bears): Interviewed 1/22
- Daronte Jones, defensive pass-game coordinator (Vikings): Hired
- Raheem Morris, former head coach (Falcons): Mentioned as candidate
- Karl Scott, defensive backs coach (Seahawks): Interviewed
- Jeff Ulbrich, defensive coordinator (Falcons): Mentioned as candidate; staying with Falcons
- Dennard Wilson, former defensive coordinator (Titans): Interviewed 1/10
Patriots To Move DC Terrell Williams To New Role, Likely To Promote Zak Kuhr
FEBRUARY 14: ESPN’s Mike Reiss also points to Kuhr as a “leading candidate” for the defensive coordinator gig. As Vrabel noted earlier this week, though, there are still a number of roles which are undecided on his staff at this point. Filling the DC vacancy will obviously be a priority over the coming days.
FEBRUARY 12: Patriots defensive coordinator Terrell Williams will be moving to a “high-ranking role” on Mike Vrabel‘s staff, per Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.
Williams, 51, was one of Vrabel’s first hires when he became the Patriots’ head coach last offseason. Williams stepped away from the team during spring practices due to a health scare and was diagnosed with prostate cancer shortly before the regular season. He continued to work with the team in New England during the season as he underwent treatment, but he did not travel with the team to away games. Williams was announced to be cancer-free before the Super Bowl and traveled with the team to San Francisco.
Inside linebackers coach Zak Kuhr took over defensive play-calling and led the unit to a top-10 finish. The Patriots defense also fueled their run to the Super Bowl by allowing just 26 points and forcing eight turnovers in their three AFC playoff games.
After those results in his first season as a position coach in the NFL, Kuhr is a virtual lock to take over the defensive coordinator job in New England. The Patriots still must comply with Rooney Rule requirements to interview two minority candidates for the position, but the team almost certainly made this move to promote Kuhr.
If he remained the linebackers coach, he would be a risk to be poached by another team, potentially this offseason with the Cardinals and Raiders still looking for defensive coordinators. New Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak could have a particular appreciation for Kuhr’s skills after extensively studying his defense in the lead up to Super Bowl LX. Even if Kuhr didn’t move to Arizona or Las Vegas this year, he would be a near-certainty to get a defensive coordinator job next offseason.
Kuhr is not the only candidate for the Patriots’ DC job. In addition to the two minority candidates the team will interview, Shane Bowen and Jim Schwartz could be considered for the job, per Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald. Bowen, who was last the Giants’ DC, held the same job in Tennessee during Vrabel’s last three years with the Titans. Schwartz was a senior defensive assistant on that staff for two of those seasons. His availability is less clear with the Browns still holding his contract rights for the 2026 season.
Williams’ new role on Vrabel’s staff has yet to be announced, but the decision does not come as a major surprise. Vrabel hinted at the potential for such a move after the Super Bowl with Kuhr having thoroughly proved himself as a defensive play-caller. Given his history as a defensive line coach, an assistant head coach/run game coordinator title would make sense for Williams moving forward.
Patriots DC Terrell Williams Is Cancer-Free, Will Travel To Super Bowl
The Patriots are headed to the Super Bowl, and for the first time this season, defensive coordinator Terrell Williams will be traveling with the team for the game. 
Williams, 51, was diagnosed with prostate cancer shortly after the start of the regular season. A health scare had chased him from spring ball, and though he reunited with his team shortly before the start of the regular season, Williams was forced to depart after New England’s Week 1 loss the Raiders and has been off the sideline ever since. He is now cancer-free, per Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald. Head coach Mike Vrabel informed his team a few weeks ago, and Williams has since been given the go-ahead to join the team in their upcoming trip to California.
Williams remained involved with the team during treatment by attending meetings and keeping in touch with players. Play-calling duties were handed to inside linebackers coach Zak Kuhr, who excelled in the role. New England’s defense ranked fourth in points allowed and eighth in total defense and dominated opposing offenses throughout their first three playoff games. Vinny DePalma, a defensive assistant, stepped into Kuhr’s role to help manage the Patriots linebacking corps, in the meantime.
It was a long road back for Williams. After his initial diagnosis indicated an aggressive form of prostate cancer, he and Vrabel agreed he should take time away from the team to focus on his treatment. It started with a month-long medication schedule that led into chemotherapy treatments — five rounds with three weeks separating each round. After beating his cancer, Williams returned to New England to rejoin the team, with whom he’ll now fight for the ultimate prize of the sport.
Ely Allen contributed to this post.
Patriots DC Terrell Williams Diagnosed With Prostate Cancer
Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel announced Friday that defensive coordinator Terrell Williams has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Williams stepped away from the team in May due to an undisclosed health issue but returned to New England for training camp. He had to leave once again before Week 2, with inside linebackers coach Zak Kuhr taking on play-calling duties.
Williams, 51, is undergoing treatment and consulting with specialists, ESPN.com’s Mike Reiss adds. Although Williams is expected to remain around the team as much as possible during his treatment process, Vrabel understandably did not offer a timeline for when the first-time DC could return to full-time duty.
Vrabel hired Williams after the assistant had spent a season with the Lions, but the two had an extensive history working together in Tennessee. Williams was Vrabel’s defensive line coach from 2018-22, covering the HC’s first five seasons on staff, and rose to assistant HC in 2023.
Following Vrabel’s January 2024 Titans dismissal, Williams caught on as the Lions’ D-line coach and defensive run-game coordinator. Vrabel’s return led to Williams’ first DC opportunity — at any level — in January. Williams has been an NFL assistant since 2012 and has been in coaching since 1998. The Pats only interviewed two candidates — Williams and Dolphins OLBs coach Ryan Crow — for the job, one Vrabel filled less than two weeks after being hired as HC.
“This is a hard business; this is tough,” Vrabel said, via Reiss. “When you do this, you have to have people that you trust implicitly, that are loyal. He’s been that. He has an ability to reach everybody, and it always kept me in perspective.”
Kuhr worked on Vrabel’s Titans staff from 2020-23, serving as a defensive assistant. He held the same role with the Giants last season. Far less experienced than Williams, Kuhr has spent time in the offseason and in-season calling the shots on defense. The Patriots, who have missed All-Pro cornerback Christian Gonzalez to open the season, rank 18th in scoring defense and 17th in yards allowed. The Gonzalez-less unit has struggled against the pass, ranking 30th. The third-year CB is expected to make his 2025 debut Sunday.
Vinny DePalma, a Jerod Mayo hire retained this offseason, has taken on more responsibility with Kuhr’s linebacking crew during Williams’ time away. DePalma serves as a defensive assistant in New England.
Sam Robinson contributed to this post.
Patriots DC Terrell Williams Will Miss Week 2 Game
The Patriots will be without a key staffer this weekend as defensive coordinator Terrell Williams will be away from the team for a few days, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Though head coach Mike Vrabel is a former defensive coordinator, albeit only for a single season, he will entrust the defensive play-calling duties to inside linebackers coach Zak Kuhr, according to ESPN’s Mike Reiss. 
Williams, a defensive line coach with the Lions for the past two seasons, was visiting home in Detroit in May of the offseason when he experienced a “health scare.” Doctors advised him to stay there instead of returning to New England for the start of rookie minicamp. He declined to give any details about the specifics of his health, though he said he would in the future.
In June, reports declared an uncertain timeline for the first-time coordinator’s return. At that point, Kuhr had been leading the defense throughout OTAs. Kuhr revealed at that time that his coordinator was making sure to check in on his staff and players daily via video conference. Williams’ determination to stay connected to the team paid off when he made a late-July return to New England in time for training camp.
This week’s newest update is unfortunate to see. Williams will be undergoing medical testing, but with so little information on his issues so far, Rapoport points out that there’s hope the absence will be unrelated to his previous health scare. Vrabel informed the media that he is expecting an update next week, “and then (they)’ll go from there.”
AFC East Notes: Dolphins, Pats, Myers, Bills
Zach Sieler is not holding in at Dolphins practice, but the veteran defensive lineman has let it be known he is seeking a new contract. Tied to a three-year, $30.75MM extension, Sieler has delivered a considerable return for the Dolphins by posting back-to-back 10-sack seasons — for a team decimated at the edge rusher positions.
“I do feel like I want to get,” Sieler said, via the Miami Herald’s Omar Kelly. “I do feel that respect coming. I think I’ve earned it. I know I’ve earned it.”
The interior defender, though, is signed for two more seasons. Dolphins GM Chris Grier has bent on a few occasions to extension-chasing players with more than a year left on their deals. Grier rewarded Xavien Howard, Tyreek Hill and Jalen Ramsey in doing so. The Howard and Ramsey decisions burned the Dolphins, as substantial dead money emerged following their respective exits. Sieler signed his extension shortly before the first of those 10-sack seasons. Set to turn 30 in September and sitting 31st in AAV among interior D-linemen, the former seventh-rounder is looking to capitalize on his performance and cash in while still in his prime.
Here is the latest from the AFC East:
- The Dolphins brought in Mike Hilton and Jack Jones at cornerback, but they have lost Kader Kohou and Artie Burns for the season. Hilton had spoken with the Dolphins months ago. The former Steelers and Bengals slot corner expected to draw more interest, but he is now 31. He still expected to wind up in Miami, via ESPN.com’s Marcel Louis-Jacques.
- Hilton arrived after multiple instances of Dolphins-Rasul Douglas negotiations. The Douglas talks would pertain more to Jones, who is an outside CB. Douglas remains in free agency after rejecting a Dolphins offer, The Exhibit’s Josina Anderson reports. Ranked behind veteran corners D.J. Reed, Byron Murphy, Carlton Davis and Charvarius Ward in PFR’s top 50, Douglas has been tied to the Dolphins and Seahawks and, per Anderson, has received more interest lately. It should be expected the soon-to-be 30-year-old DB signs somewhere soon, but his value will not approach the three-year, $21MM Packers deal he inked in 2022.
- The Dolphins signed James Daniels after an Achilles tear, and they do not have top interior backup Liam Eichenberg available yet. The versatile O-lineman is weeks away from returning from the active/PUP list, Mike McDaniel said (via Jackson). McDaniel confirmed this issue is “not a season-ender.” The Dolphins re-signed Eichenberg (one year, $2.25MM) after seeing Isaiah Wynn miss all of last season due to a 2023 injury. Wynn is no longer on the roster, but second-round pick Jonah Savaiinaea is set to replace Eichenberg in Miami’s lineup.
- Good news for the Patriots, who have seen their new DC (Terrell Williams) return to work at camp. A spring health scare sidelined Williams, but the Boston Sports Journal’s Mike Giardi notes he is back ahead of his first year as a coordinator.
- Josh Myers did not see his four years of starter experience lead to a noteworthy free agency deal, reminding of Teven Jenkins‘ market. The four-year Packers center starter, who received just $2MM from the Jets, did say (via SNY’s Connor Hughes) the team informed him upon signing he would move into a center competition with incumbent Joe Tippmann. We heard during OTAs the Jets would put Tippmann — a 2023 second-round pick — in a position battle with Myers, and it is ongoing. Both players are ex-second-round picks, though Myers’ 56 starts better Tippmann’s 31. Pro Football Focus ranked Tippmann eighth last season, slotting Myers in 38th among centers. Two years remain on Tippmann’s rookie deal.
- Vince Carter does not intend for his Bills ownership stake to bring a silent partnership role. “I’ve sat with the GM, president, owner, the big boss,” Carter said, via the Daytona News-Journal’s Chris Vinel. “I’ve sat with everybody, and we’ve had conversations, and I just listen and learn. I don’t just want to have a name on it. I want to be involved.” While Carter is unlikely to represent the Bills at any owners meetings, he is one of many to take advantage of the NFL loosening restraints on private equity ownership recently.
No Timeline For Patriots DC Terrell Williams’ Return
Terrell Williams remains away from the Patriots after suffering a “health scare” in May. Still, the Patriots new defensive coordinator remains as connected to the organization as he can possibly be.
Inside linebackers coach Zak Kuhr has been leading the defense throughout OTAs, and the coach addressed the uncertain situation with reporters yesterday. Most notably, Kuhr revealed that there’s no timeline for Williams’ return, although he said the coordinator checks in on his staff and players daily via video conference.
Kuhr also addressed his evolving role, noting that he’s simply an extension of Williams and head coach MikeVrabel. Before working with Vrabel for several years in Tennessee, Kuhr had a long stay in college football, with the majority of his work actually coming on the offensive side of the ball (including a stint as offensive coordinator at Texas State). The coach cited that experience as he explained his evolving responsibilities in New England.
“I’ve been a coordinator before,” Kuhr said (via ESPN’s Mike Reiss). “I know it was at the college level [offensive coordinator] but I’ve been in front of a unit before and run meetings. I wouldn’t say it’s anything too new … it’s helped to have a guy like [assistant] Vinny DePalma in there; he has taken a lot of lifting off my shoulders [with inside linebackers]. He’s going to be a great coach.”
As Kuhr navigates the uncertain situation, he hasn’t only leaned on his fellow coaches. The fill-in DC said he’s also relied on free agent acquisition Robert Spillane, who has provided a “coach-like presence on the field” (per Reiss). Specifically, Spillane has been relaying calls from Kuhr to his teammates, and the coach has empowered the veteran to communicate the play call in his own way.
The 36-year-old coach will continue to be in the spotlight, at least until Williams returns to practice. If the defensive coordinator doesn’t make a return, it sounds like the Patriots are more than comfortable rolling with their fill-in. As Reiss writes, Williams previously described Kuhr as a “superstar” in the making, and it sounds like that sentiment is held by other members of the staff.
Patriots DC Terrell Williams Dealing With ‘Health Scare’
Patriots defensive coordinator Terrell Williams is not with the team at rookie minicamp due to a “health scare,” according to ESPN’s Mike Reiss.
Williams, previously the Lions’ defensive line coach, was visiting home in Detroit when the medical issue arose. Doctors advised him to stay there instead of returning to New England for the start of rookie minicamp. He declined to give any details about the specifics of his health, though he said he would in the future.
“I want to make it clear, I’m away from the building, but I’m not away from the team,” said Williams (via Reiss). “I’m working remotely right now. Hopefully I’ll be able to get back soon and just be in the building and be around everyone.”
Williams said that the health scare was “traumatic” and a “wake-up call,” but indicated that his medical situation had stabilized.
“Where I am now, my mind is clear,” he said (via Reiss). “I’m moving around. I’m happy. Everything is good. I’m just looking forward to getting back to Foxborough and seeing everybody in person.”
Mike Vrabel Talks Patriots Front Office, Free Agency Approach, Browns Stint
Since the Patriots brought in Mike Vrabel as head coach, there’s been plenty of talk about who truly runs the show in New England. While executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf is expected to have a heavy hand in the roster’s construction, Vrabel acknowledged that he wouldn’t have taken the gig if he wasn’t going to have some say in building the roster.
[RELATED: Mike Vrabel, Eliot Wolf Will Both Report To Patriots Ownership]
“Well, I wouldn’t be here and I wouldn’t have wanted to be the head coach here if I wasn’t comfortable in my impact on the roster,” Vrabel told reporters (via Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald). “So we want to continue to have great conversations with the personnel staff, with me, with Stretch (John Streicher), with coaching. We’re all just trying to find ways to bring the right players in here, whether that’s the first part of free agency, [the] middle free agency like we talked about, or the draft. There’s going to be players who get released that we’ll have to pivot to and have options. So again, we need to strengthen the roster. We understand that. And have some really good conversations as to how we get there.”
Vrabel cited his right-hand man, John Streicher, adding another component to the organization’s murky front office hierarchy. For years, Bill Belichick ran the show, and when Wolf and former HC Jerod Mayo took over that responsibility in 2024, the organization revealed some troubling cracks in the foundation. The Patriots will continue to operate without a traditional GM in 2025, and it sounds like the organization may even be reverting back to their old ways by empowering the head coach to build the roster.
Whether it’s Vrabel, Wolf, or owner Robert Kraft making final calls on personnel, it sounds like there’s general agreement that the team will be actively adding to the roster this offseason. While speaking with reporters, Vrabel said he expects the Patriots to be “aggressive” in improving their team.
“I’m confident that we’ll be aggressive,” Vrabel said (via ESPN’s Mike Reiss). “We’ve started some of those discussions internally. We have to be ready to pivot and adjust and have a vision for each player at each level.
“There’s going to be this high level [financially] that things are going to get done very quickly. That will transition then to maybe some midrange dollars. And obviously you look at opportunity. Free agency gets broken down into compensation and opportunity. I feel like we’re in a position to offer both.”
With a league-leading ~$131MM in projected cap room, the Patriots should have more than enough financial wiggle room to add to their roster. Armed with the fourth-overall pick, the organization is also positioned to add a foundational piece in the draft, and there’s hope that the Patriots can take a leap with more talent (and a more experienced Drake Maye) in 2025.
While speaking with reporters today, Vrabel provided some more insight on his coaching free agency. While the former Patriots linebacker always seemed destined for New England, his outlook was a lot more unclear a year ago. The former Titans head coach spent the 2024 campaign serving as a coaching and personnel consultant with the Browns, but despite his experience, he wasn’t explicitely asked back for the 2025 campaign.
Vrabel said the Browns never approached him about a long-term role on the staff, but he admitted that he “would have listened” had they asked (via Tony Grossi of 850 ESPN Cleveland). Vrabel noted that he “didn’t have a job” heading into the 2025 offseason, although Cleveland’s approach was likely rooted in the assumption that Vrabel would ultimately land a HC job elsewhere.
While Vrabel apparently wants some control over building the roster, he won’t be micromanaging his defense. Despite his defensive expertise, the head coach said he plans to let defensive coordinator Terrell Williams call the plays on that side of the ball (via Kyed).
