Mike Vrabel Announces Patriots Coach Has Cancer

Mike Vrabel (Photo via @MikeReiss X/Twitter)
New England Patriots head coach Terrell Williams has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, head coach Mike Vrabel told reporters on Friday.

The 51-year-old Williams is in his first season as the Patriots’ defensive coordinator, having previously worked as one of Mike Vrabel’s assistants for the Tennessee Titans from 2018 to 2023.

“I, unfortunately, have to tell you that Terrell Williams was determined to have prostate cancer and is in the process of treatment,” Vrabel said, per ESPN’s Mike Reiss. “(He’s) meeting with specialists, and figuring out the best plan of attack.”

Vrabel also announced that inside linebackers coach Zak Kuhr will take on defensive play-calling duties while Williams undergoes treatment.

The Patriots (1-2) host the Carolina Panthers at Gillette Stadium this Sunday. New England is looking to bounce back from a frustrating 21-14 home loss to Aaron Rodgers’ Pittsburgh Steelers, the Pats’ first home loss to the AFC North rivals in 17 years.

We send our best wishes to Terrell Williams and hope he has a safe and speedy recovery.

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Patriots Defense Has Already Improved Under Terrell Williams

Jul 28, 2025; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel and defensive coordinator Terrell Williams watch players during training camp at Gillette Stadium. (Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images)

Per Pro Football Reference, the Patriots finished 22nd in scoring defense last season (24.5 points per game). Despite a tricky schedule in the early going, the Patriots currently rank 18th in scoring defense.

Williams’ defense gave the Patriots every opportunity to upset Rodgers and the Steelers on a day when the offense turned the ball over five times. Though they gave up 27 points in their Week 2 win to the Miami Dolphins, the defense still recorded an interception off Tua Tagovailoa and sacked him five times to secure the Pats’ first win in South Beach since 2019.

The Patriots have plenty of new faces on defense, and rising superstar Christian Gonzalez has yet to play a single snap this season. When he takes the field, you can bet New England’s defense will look closer to the stingy units Bill Belichick ran for two decades in Foxborough.