The New England Patriots are heading to Super Bowl LX with more than just football on their minds. While head coach Mike Vrabel is navigating the usual late-season injury concerns, he's also focused on something far more personal: the health and presence of defensive coordinator Terrell Williams.
Williams, 51, will be traveling with the team to the Super Bowl, a significant moment considering what he’s been through over the past few months. Diagnosed with prostate cancer back in September, Williams has been away from his usual duties as he focuses on recovery. But despite the challenges, he’ll be with the Patriots on the game’s biggest stage - a testament to both his resolve and the bond within this coaching staff.
Williams collapsed during an August 4 practice, with the team initially attributing it to dehydration. The cancer diagnosis followed weeks later.
In his absence, inside linebackers coach Zak Kuhr has stepped in to handle defensive play-calling responsibilities. But even from the sidelines, Williams’ presence has remained a steady influence.
His connection with Vrabel runs deep. The two have worked together for years, dating back to their time with the Tennessee Titans, where Williams joined Vrabel’s staff in 2018 as defensive line coach.
He climbed the ranks to assistant head coach by 2023. When Vrabel stepped away from head coaching duties during the 2024 season, Williams took on a new challenge as the Detroit Lions’ run game coordinator and defensive line coach.
Their reunion in New England this season felt inevitable - and meaningful.
Vrabel has spoken with genuine appreciation for Williams throughout the season, noting earlier that the veteran coach was in “good spirits” and would remain involved with the team in some capacity.
“I don’t quite fully know in what capacity, but he will be around and involved,” Vrabel said. “We’ll continue to just make sure there is a good plan for everything that happens, just like we always have been.”
That plan now includes Williams making the trip to the Super Bowl - a powerful moment for a team that’s leaned on his leadership, both on and off the field.
Quarterback Drake Maye summed up what Williams means to the locker room.
“Coach T, it’s awesome seeing him around,” Maye said, smiling. “Anytime he’s around, it brings joy to us.
It brings joy to the locker room. It brings joy to see his face, see how he’s doing.
Just praying for him.”
In a season filled with twists, challenges, and high-stakes football, the Patriots are carrying more than just a playbook into Super Bowl Sunday - they’re carrying the spirit of a coach who’s been through a fight far tougher than anything on the field. And now, they’ll have him by their side when it matters most.