Williams previously worked under Vrabel in Tennessee.

The New England Patriots hired Terrell Williams as the team’s defensive coordinator on Wednesday. Here’s who it affects for better, and worse, moving forward.

Winners

DE Keion White: Williams comes to the Patriots with over 25 years of experience along the defensive line and has gotten the most out of pass rushers such as Cameron Wake, Jurrell Casey, Harold Landry, and most recently Aidan Hutchinson. That leaves the arrow pointed up for Keion White, especially as Williams’ mindset up front seems to fit White’s gung-ho play style.

“All we really focus on is getting off the ball, striking blocks and the rest will take care of itself,” Hutchinson said last summer. “I feel like that mindset is very liberating for a lot of D-lineman to not be so strict about this block, that way, but if we’re just going as hard as we can, we’re going to create a lot of different pressure and disruption.”

Aidan Hutchinson on new #Patriots DC Terrell Williams:

“All we really focus on is getting off the ball, striking blocks and the rest will take care of itself. I feel like that mindset is very liberating for a lot of D-lineman to not be so strict…” pic.twitter.com/GkB8RctsGI

— Brian Hines (@iambrianhines) January 22, 2025

CB Christian Gonzalez: Looking back at Mike Vrabel’s past defenses in Tennessee, they were typically league average in terms on man coverage rate. In Detroit this past year under Aaron Glenn, the Lions top coverage was Cover-1 man although they did play their fair share of zone — especially after injuries plagued their secondary.

One common thread from both of those defenses, however, is they did not feature a cornerback of Christian Gonzalez’s skillset. With Gonzalez in the fold, it would not be a surprise to see Vrabel and Williams up their man coverage rate to build the defense around the All-Pro corner. Last season, New England ranked second in the league in man coverage usage.

External additions: In his introductory press conference, Mike Vrabel quickly mentioned the defensive line when asked about his top priorities when it came to upgrading the roster. His evaluation was correct after the Patriots ranked last in the league in sacks per game and 22nd in rush yards allowed per game last season. With Williams’ coaching focus heavily along the defensive line it should be expected they hunt for upgrades this offseason.

Potential free agents with connections include Lions lineman Levi Onwuzurike, who had a career-year under Williams, and Titans pass rusher Harold Landry, who is a candidate to be released this offseason.

Losers

LB Jahlani Tavai: Vrabel’s defenses have also featured plenty of four-down attacking fronts, which calls for the second-level linebackers to play in space. That is not a strength of Jahlani Tavai’s game at the spot, while Ja’Whaun Bentley has improved in coverage but is still a bigger body. Adding a linebacker who is more comfortable in space (hello, Zack Baun) could be on the wishlist this offseason.

Jerry Montgomery: Hired as the Patriots defensive line coach last season, Montgomery’s unit struggled as mentioned above. With Williams primary focus on the defensive line Montgomery will not return as defensive line coach. One name to watch for the role is Clinton McMillan, who has spent the last four years in Tennessee working on the defensive line — holding the title assistant defensive line/pass rush specialist in 2024.

Montgomery did find quick work, however, joining the Cincinnati Bengals in the same role.

Play calling: Despite having long-time coaching experience — which includes 13 years in the NFL and 14 years at the collegiate level — Williams has never been a play caller throughout his career. New England saw the bumps and bruises a first-year play caller can go through with both DeMarcus Covington and Alex Van Pelt last season. While Williams will have the advantage of having an experienced coach in Vrabel on his side, how he will perform as a play caller is the biggest question mark with the hire.