Patriots Shift Terrell Williams to New Role, Open DC Spot

Terrell Williams is transitioning to a high-ranking role on the Patriots' staff, opening the defensive coordinator position for the 2026 season. Williams, who missed most of the 2025 season battling prostate cancer but is now cancer-free, will not return to his DC role. Inside linebackers coach Zak Kuhr, who served as the de facto defensive coordinator during Williams' absence and led a top-performing defense to Super Bowl LX, is the leading candidate to officially take over the position.