Mike Vrabel is back in New England, and now he must decide who he wants around him at One Patriot Place.
Vrabel, who officially became the new Patriots head coach last Sunday, currently is in the process of building out his staff. The most noteworthy positions to be filled in Foxboro, Mass., are offensive and defensive coordinator, which are expected to be vacated by Alex Van Pelt’s and DeMarcus Covington’s exits, respectively.
There’s been a lot of buzz about the offensive coordinator gig going to Josh McDaniels, who occupied the role amid the Patriots’ dynastic run. As for the defensive coordinator, Vrabel might have a clear preference.
“Some around the NFL believe (Terrell) Williams, 50, would be Vrabel’s ideal pick as defensive coordinator,” ESPN’s Mike Reiss wrote in a column published Sunday. “And if that doesn’t happen, Vrabel could look to others who coached alongside Williams in Tennessee, such as Philadelphia Eagles inside linebackers coach Bobby King, Miami Dolphins outside linebackers coach Ryan Crow and Titans passing-game coordinator/cornerbacks coach Chris Harris.”
Williams has coached in the NFL since 2012 when he broke into the league as the Raiders’ defensive line coach. The Los Angeles native took on the same gig in Miami before working alongside Vrabel in Tennessee for six seasons. Like Vrabel, Williams cut ties with the Titans after the 2023 campaign and spent this season in Detroit.
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It remains to be seen if Vrabel’s report vision for Williams will come to fruition. But the latter seemingly is ready for the responsibility after over a decade of NFL coaching service.
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