Detroit Lions lose Terrell Williams as another coach leaves after playoff loss to Washington Commanders

Terrell Williams is leaving his role as defensive line coach for the Detroit Lions to become defensive coordinator of the New England Patriots.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Williams joins the rebuilding job in New England that is going to be led by new Patriots coach Mike Vrabel after previously working with him at the Tennessee Titans.

Williams had only been in Detroit for the 2024 season after leaving Tennessee when Vrabel was abruptly fired the year before. 

It comes after Ben Johnson departed his role as offensive coordinator for the Lions to become head coach of the Chicago Bears and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn interviewed for the New York Jets on Tuesday.

Vrabel and Williams have a fascinating job ahead of them with the Patriots. They ended the season with a miserable 4-13 record that cost Jerod Maye his job as head coach after only one season.

But with that low finish comes the fourth pick in the NFL Draft and with an extremely promising quarterback already in place in Drake Maye, Vrabel should be confident of a quick improvement when the new season comes around.

On Saturday, the Lions’ season was abruptly ended after a surprise loss at Ford Field to the Washington Commanders.

Head coach Dan Campbell appeared to fight back tears at the podium as he faced the media after the loss.

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