Patriots defensive coordinator Terrell Williams diagnosed with prostate cancer

The New England Patriots said Friday that defensive coordinator Terrell Williams has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, announced by head coach Mike Vrabel at a morning press conference.

Vrabel said Williams is undergoing treatment and meeting with specialists, and that the team is coordinating a plan to attack the disease and restore his health. He noted the organization will support Williams and his family during this time.

Williams joined the Patriots in January after more than two decades coaching at the college and pro levels. He previously coached the defensive lines for the Oakland Raiders, Miami Dolphins and Tennessee Titans and was promoted to assistant head coach in Nashville when Vrabel was head coach there. Last season he served as the Detroit Lions' defensive line coach and run game coordinator under Aaron Glenn.

Vrabel said inside linebackers coach Zak Kuhr will remain the lead defensive play caller, with defensive assistant Vinny DePalma continuing to coach Kuhr's unit.

Williams collapsed on the practice field last month and was stretchered off; the cause of the incident has not been disclosed. Earlier in the year, he took a leave of absence from the team to address health issues.

Crucial Catch week, part of the NFL's cancer awareness campaign, emphasizes screening and early detection.

There is no immediate timetable for Williams' return, and the Patriots will operate with Kuhr as the head of the defense while he recovers.