Patriots DC Terrell Williams Diagnosed with Prostate Cancer, Will Undergo Treatment

New England Patriots defensive coordinator Terrell Williams has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Head coach Mike Vrabel announced the news during his Friday press conference, adding that Williams is "in the process" of determining treatment and meeting with specialists to work out the next steps.

Williams has been away from the team since Sept. 10, when Vrabel announced he was going to "have to run some more tests" for an unspecified issue. Vrabel noted this situation was unrelated to the "health scare" Williams had in March.

Per Mark Daniels of MassLive.com, Williams has still been around Gillette Stadium to help out the coaching staff with game-planning and preparations.

Inside linebackers coach Zak Kuhr has served as the de facto defensive coordinator for the past two games in Williams' absence.

The 51-year-old Williams is in his first season as a defensive coordinator at any level. He previously worked on Vrabel's staff with the Tennessee Titans as defensive line coach from 2018 to 2023.

Williams spent 2024 with the Detroit Lions as defensive line coach and run game coordinator for head coach Dan Campbell. He was hired by the Patrots as their defensive coordinator on Jan. 22.

The Patriots will host the Carolina Panthers at Gillette Stadium on Sunday.