Editor’s Note: The following story initially was published before the New England Patriots reportedly hired Terrell Williams as their defensive coordinator. It has been slightly tweaked to reflect the update.
One Patriots position group with youthful talent could benefit from development, and that’s where New England’s reported hire comes in.
Terrell Williams spent the last 13 seasons coaching defensive linemen with some added responsibilities on the big man’s plate during that time. Williams’ longest stop was in Tennessee when he coached under Mike Vrabel for six seasons. Williams earned a promotion to assistant head coach in 2023, and served as the Titans head coach during a preseason game with Vrabel’s blessing.
Their connection played a major role in the Patriots reportedly hiring Williams as their defensive coordinator, according to multiple reports Wednesday. Many around the NFL believed Williams was Vrabel’s “ideal pick” for the job, according to ESPN’s Mike Reiss.
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Williams’ experience should benefit a few up-and-coming Patriots, as discussed during NESN’s “Foxboro Rush” podcast released Monday.
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Christian Barmore and Keion White, specifically, will gain an advantage from a defensive coordinator whose bread and butter is the defensive line. Veteran Davon Godchaux should, too.
After all, Barmore and White are two of most talented young players on New England’s roster. And the Patriots defensive line, which was without Barmore for the majority of the campaign, struggled mightily in 2024. The lack of pass rush was a glaring issue.
Titans defensive lineman Jeffrey Simmons previously lauded Williams for his coaching style and teaching acumen. Williams, Simmons said, was instrumental in the Titans star earning a pair of Pro Bowl selections and two second-team All-Pro nods.
The Lions allowed the fifth-fewest rushing yards in the league in 2024 when Williams served as the defensive run game coordinator. Williams also coached Ndamukong Suh and the Dolphins defensive line for three seasons before Tennessee. Suh earned his fifth Pro Bowl selection under Williams’ tutelage.
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Does that mean Barmore, a second-rounder in 2021, or White, a second-rounder in 2023, immediately will elevate to Pro Bowl status? That’s hard to predict. But both have showcased their talent and now it’s pivotal for the Patriots to further develop them.
The promotion of a well-respected defensive line coach is a good place to start.
Featured image via Jamie Sabau/Imagn Images