Dan Campbell’s coaching staff for the Detroit Lions will look different next season.
Detroit’s 15-2 campaign ended on a disappointing note with a loss to the Washington Commanders on Saturday. Shortly after their second-round playoff exit, the Chicago Bears hired offensive coordinator Ben Johnson as their new head coach. Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn is also continuing to pursue head coaching opportunities.
On Wednesday, Detroit lost another key member of its staff. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that defensive line coach Terrell Williams will be joining the New England Patriots. He will reunite with former boss Mike Vrabel as the Patriots’ new defensive coordinator.
Williams has coached college defensive linemen at various programs, including Fort Scott, North Carolina A&T, Youngstown State, Akron, Purdue, and Texas A&M, over the course of more than two decades. He then joined the Raiders in 2012, spending three years in Oakland before coaching the Miami Dolphins’ defensive line for three seasons. In 2018, he took the same position with Vrabel’s Tennessee Titans.
Under Williams, Tennessee ranked sixth in points allowed in 2021 and had the NFL’s top-ranked rushing defense in 2022. He was promoted to assistant head coach in 2023, and Schefter pointed out that Vrabel had Williams coach a preseason game.
After Vrabel’s firing, Williams moved to Detroit this season. Despite the loss of star defensive end Aidan Hutchinson to a season-ending injury in October, Detroit ranked fifth in rushing defense and seventh in points allowed.
Williams is now set to take on his first defensive coordinator role in Foxborough. Under first-year head coach Jerod Mayo, the Patriots’ defense dropped from seventh to 22nd in yards allowed and finished 22nd in points allowed, marking their lowest ranking since 1995. DeMarcus Covington, a former defensive line coach, will not return after just one season as defensive coordinator.
Vrabel has completed his staff by bringing back offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels to New England and keeping special teams coordinator Jeremy Springer.
Meanwhile, the Lions could continue to see changes in their coaching ranks. Defensive backs coach Deshea Townsend has interviewed with the San Francisco 49ers for their defensive coordinator position, and offensive line coach Hank Fraley has had two interviews for the Seattle Seahawks’ offensive coordinator job.
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Detroit Lions QB Jared Goff backs Michigan, picks against Ohio State
The Detroit Lions are gearing up for a significant game against the Washington Commanders on Saturday, but they’re also keeping an eye on the College Football Playoff national championship set for Monday. Ohio State and Notre Dame will battle for the title, and it’s clear many Lions players are invested in the outcome.
When asked to pick a winner while heading into the facility, several Lions players made their choices. However, starting quarterback Jared Goff made sure to make his stance known. He chose Notre Dame to win the championship and, looking directly into the camera, said, “Go Blue.”
Ohio State vs. Notre Dame… who ya got? 🏈🏆 pic.twitter.com/nlgBvlB0L9
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) January 17, 2025
Although Goff played quarterback at Cal in college, he’s been vocal about his support for the Michigan Football program. In fact, Goff has openly identified as part of the maize and blue faithful, particularly when discussing the rivalry between Michigan and Michigan State. When asked by former Michigan offensive lineman Taylor Lewan about the rivalry, Goff was quick to answer.
“You’re in a state that’s very divided from a college standpoint,” Lewan reminded Goff. “Who do you side with, Michigan or Michigan State?”
Without missing a beat, Goff responded, “Michigan, Michigan.” He continued, “And not just because you’re sitting here. It’s just because where I live and nearby here, it’s a lot of Michigan alum. And so, I really don’t know many Michigan State alum personally.”
This may sting a bit for the Spartan fans who also support the Lions, but if Goff leads Detroit to a Super Bowl win, it’s likely those Spartan fans will find a way to forgive him.
