On Monday, Terrell Williams, the Patriots’ defensive coordinator, had to leave practice after being treated for dehydration, according to team reports.
Stretchers were brought onto the field, but Williams was able to stand on his own and make his way to the waiting cart. The team reassured fans that he was “good.”
At 51 years old, this is Williams’ first season with the New England team under new head coach Mike Vrabel.
He had previously missed the mini-camp and organized team activities due to a private health issue he encountered in May. However, he returned just in time for training camp, which kicked off last month.
The team believes that his earlier absences are not connected to the dehydration incident, as reported.
Before the training camp, Vrabel expressed excitement about having Williams on board, saying, “The Big T is here and ready.” He added that the players were thrilled to see him back on the field in recent days.
During his time away early in the offseason, Williams stayed in touch with the team remotely while Zach Kuhre, the internal linebacker coach, stepped in as interim defensive coordinator.
On Monday, Kuhre again took charge, calling plays during the final part of practice.
Reflecting on his past health struggles, Williams mentioned to ESPN that coaching can be a stressful gig. He advised, “Just eat. Exercise. If you are on medication, take it. We often think we’re invincible.”
He admitted to having ignored advice in the past, stating that he had lived his life too freely without considering the risks involved.
Prior to his role with the Patriots, Williams was the defensive line and running game coordinator for the Lions in 2024.
Originally from Los Angeles, Williams has also served as a defensive line coach for the Raiders and Dolphins, and he was integrated into Vrabel’s staff with the Titans from 2018 to 2022.
In 2023, he was elevated to assistant head coach while still under Vrabel’s management.
Williams began his coaching journey as an assistant to the college ranks, accumulating experience at institutions such as North Carolina A&T, Youngstown, Akron, Purdue, and Fort Scott in Texas A&M.
