Patriots' Williams diagnosed with prostate cancer; Vrabel confirms treatment and continuity at play-caller

The New England Patriots announced Friday that defensive coordinator Terrell Williams has been diagnosed with prostate cancer and is undergoing treatment, with specialists guiding the next steps. Patriots coach Mike Vrabel said Williams is in the process of meeting with specialists to determine the best plan of attack, and that the 51-year-old will share details when he is ready.

"I unfortunately have to tell you Terrell Williams was determined to have prostate cancer and is in the process of treatment, meeting with specialists figuring out the best plan of attack," Vrabel told reporters. "You know how much Terrell means to me personally and to the people on this football team… we want to send our regards and publicly let everyone know what he's dealing with. When he’s ready to talk, he’ll talk on his behalf but I wanted to let you know that’s what was going on."

Williams, 51, who served on Vrabel’s Titans staff from 2018-23 and joined New England this offseason, missed OTAs and minicamp with an undisclosed medical issue, but was with the team during training camp. The 51-year-old left practice on a cart Aug. 4 after being treated for dehydration. He missed games against the Dolphins and Steelers in Weeks 2 and 3 after stepping away from the team on Sept. 10, with Zak Kuhr taking over defensive play-calling.

Vrabel said the defense will continue to be led by Kuhr and that the system has not missed a beat despite Williams’ absence."We’ll continue as we have been with Zak Kuhr calling the defenses," Vrabel said. "I think that went well. I think the communication through the week, [the] organization hasn’t missed a beat whatsoever. I think those guys are doing a great job over there."

Vrabel also emphasized that Williams’ absence will be felt by the team but that the organization is rallying around him and his family. "Our thoughts, our prayers – [Williams] knows, we talk all the time – but just that are with him, his family, been through a lot and we care about him," he said. The Patriots have not disclosed further details about Williams’ treatment plan, but officials said the goal is to provide him privacy while he pursues care.