Patriots defensive coordinator Terrell Williams will leave team for a few days due to possible health-related issue
The New England Patriots will be without defensive coordinator Terrell Williams for at least a few days due to a possible health-related issue, head coach Mike Vrabel announced Wednesday.
Vrabel declined to get into specifics regarding the situation. He added that Williams' absence was unrelated to a medical situation he experienced in March. Vrabel said the team will "have to run some more tests" and that he felt it was for the best that Williams focuses on that over football at the moment.
Mike Vrabel says defensive coordinator Terrell Williams will be away from the team for the next few days. He explains the situation at the start of his press conference. pic.twitter.com/iFE03XbmuK
- Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) September 10, 2025
Williams spent time away from the team during rookie minicamp in May after he dealt with an undisclosed medical situation in March. At the time, Williams said he would work remotely and still coach the team.
Williams never revealed specifics surrounding that medical issue, but called it a "wake-up call" when speaking with reporters in May.
In August, Williams reportedly collapsed during a practice and was treated for dehydration. He returned to practice the following day and coached the team.
Patriots defensive coordinator Terrell Williams (white bucket hat) is here today at practice. https://t.co/hBHDKYA9YIpic.twitter.com/BUiqWWb9wv
- Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) August 5, 2025
Williams has served on Vrabel's coaching staff since his first season as a head coach. Williams was the defensive line coach under Vrabel from 2018 to 2023 with the Tennessee Titans. In addition to being the team's defensive line coach, Williams was promoted to assistant head coach in 2023. Following Vrabel's firing, Williams joined the Detroit Lions for the 2024 season.
When Vrabel joined the Patriots in January, he hired Williams as the team's defensive coordinator.