Patriots DC Terrell Williams 'Doing OK' After Health Scare, Will Work Remotely

New England Patriots defensive coordinator Terrell Williams is recovering following a "health scare" that prevented him from appearing at the team's rookie minicamp, per ESPN's Mike Reiss.

"I'm working remotely right now," Williams said, via Reiss. "Hopefully I'll be able to get back soon and just be in the building and be around everyone ... I'll just say right now that I'm doing OK and I appreciate all the prayers from everybody."

The Patriots hired Williams to be their defensive coordinator under new head coach Mike Vrabel on Jan. 22.

He didn't disclose the specifics of his absence but explained that he would do so in the future, per Reiss.

"We all have different stress levels," Williams said. "Football is a job that obviously there is some stress involved. Just eating right. Working out. If you're supposed to take any medication, take it. Like I told the players, we all think we're invincible."

"I'm just looking forward to getting back to Foxborough and seeing everybody in person," he added.

Williams served as the Detroit Lions' defensive line coach and defensive run game coordinator in 2024. The Lions allowed a mere 20.1 points per game last season, owning the fifth-best run defense in the NFL.

Before his brief stint with Detroit, Williams worked under Vrabel on the Tennessee Titans' coaching staff from 2018-23. During their shared tenure in Tennessee, the team finished with a 54-45 overall record and made three playoff appearances.

Williams will now operate as a defensive coordinator for the first time in his career, looking to help New England improve upon a 4-13 finish in 2024. The Patriots particularly struggled on defense down the stretch of the regular season, allowing 28.1 points per game over their final seven contests.

While Williams wasn't able to appear at New England's rookie minicamp, he's looking to return to the team's facilities soon.