Patriots Country

Patriots Hire Former Lions Coach as Next DC

The New England Patriots have landed their defensive coordinator.
Noah Strackbein|
Detroit Lions defensive line coach Terrell Williams talks to defensive end Josh Paschal during the first half against Seattle Seahawks at Ford Field in Detroit on Monday, Sept. 30, 2024.
Detroit Lions defensive line coach Terrell Williams talks to defensive end Josh Paschal during the first half against Seattle Seahawks at Ford Field in Detroit on Monday, Sept. 30, 2024. | Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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New England Patriots

The New England Patriots have found their next defensive coordinator, finalizing the third of their coordinator positions under new head coach Mike Vrabel. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the team has hired form Detroit Lions defensive line coach Terrell Williams.

Williams was the favorite to land the Patriots job since the team showed their interest. A former Tennessee Titans assistant, Williams worked with Vrabel during their time together when Vrabel was a head coach in Tennessee. Now, with a larger role, Williams will leave Detroit and head to New England.

Williams started his NFL coaching career in Oakland as a defensive line coach for the Raiders in 2012. Since then, he's spent time with the Miami Dolphins (2015-2017), and Titans (2018-2023). In his final season with the team, Vrabel's last as head coach, he was the assistant head coach.

Williams spent one season with the Lions but helped Detroit become one of the most dominant defenses in the NFL. Even without Aidan Hutchinson, the team finished with the fifth-best rushing defense and has 13 forced fumbles this past season.

The Patriots are now set with their coordinators, as Williams joins Josh McDaniels and Jeremy Springer.

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Noah Strackbein
NOAH STRACKBEIN

Noah Strackbein is a Publisher for On SI, covering the Pittsburgh Steelers since 2019. A Jessup, PA native, Noah attended Point Park University, where he fell in love with the Steel City and everything it has to offer. You can find Noah's work at Steelers On SI and weekdays as the hosts of All Steelers Talk.

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