New England Patriots defensive coordinator Terrell Williams will be away from the team for at least a few days, head coach Mike Vrabel announced Wednesday, just one week into the season.
Williams, one of Vrabel’s closest aides, spent time away from the team this spring to address a health concern, but Vrabel said this is not related to the previous matter. Vrabel said Williams will undergo further tests, but did not specify the issue.
In Williams’ absence, Zak Kuhr, the Patriots’ inside linebackers coach, will take on a larger role, potentially calling plays on Sunday, though Vrabel said he would disclose who gets the play-calling duties later in the week. Kuhr also filled in for Williams over the summer.
“Zak does a fantastic job,” Vrabel said. “Always has.”
Mike Vrabel says DC would be away the next few days. He didn’t elaborate on details but said it was something new, unrelated to the health scare earlier in the year. pic.twitter.com/tnj5Cc3dug
— Karen Guregian (@kguregian) September 10, 2025
During a practice on Aug. 4, Williams, 51, collapsed and required help to leave the field. The team said at the time that he was treated for dehydration.
The Patriots defense has its work cut out for it after allowing nine passes of 20 or more yards in the season-opening loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. It is now preparing for a Miami Dolphins offense featuring a number of playmakers, even though it struggled in Week 1. New England might also be without Christian Gonzalez, its All-Pro cornerback, who has not practiced since July 28 and is not expected to practice Wednesday, Vrabel said.
Williams joined Vrabel’s coaching staff with the Tennessee Titans in 2018 as the defensive line coach and worked his way up to assistant head coach in 2023. During the 2024 season, when Vrabel was without a head coaching job, Williams served as the Detroit Lions’ run game coordinator and D-line coach before reuniting with Vrabel in New England.
(Photo: Eric Canha / Imagn Images)
