Patriots DC Williams far from the team due to a medical condition

Foxborough, Mass.

The coach of the seconds, Zak Kuhr, kept the responsibilities of Williams in his absence, according to Trebel.

While Trebel did not specify how much Williams was not with the team, a team source said that it was an absence that extended in last month. Williams is expected to contact journalists on Friday afternoon by video.

“I have been in constant communication with him daily,” said Rébel, who refused to put a calendar on the return of Williams. “Terrell is impatient to come back. We are delighted to recover it. It has always been in contact with the players via Zoom, as well as with myself and the rest of the coach staff.”

Williams, 50, is in his first season as a defensive coordinator. He joined the NFL in 2012 as a defensive line coach with the Raiders (2012-14) before managing the same role with the Dolphins (2015-17), Titans (2018-23) and Lions (2024).

His time with the Titans coincided with Trebel’s mandate as a chief coach. Similarly, Kuhr, 36, was one of the staff of the Titans under Truebel from 2020 to 23.

“Zak has a great knowledge of what we have done in the past, with me and this system, and with Terrell,” said Trébel.

Truebel said that his role as head coach had not been assigned by having to spend more time with the defense himself.

“I don’t think something has changed with me when it comes to my involvement in the three phases,” he said.