Mike Vrabel gives insight into Patriots’ defensive play-calling
One of the key questions for Mike Vrabel and the new Patriots coaching staff: who’s going to call the plays on defense?
The offense is set, with Josh McDaniels back as offensive coordinator. But on the other side of the ball, new defensive coordinator Terrell Williams lacks tangible experience actually calling plays. Vrabel confirmed during a Tuesday press conference at the NFL Scouting Combine that Williams will in fact assume that role.
“He’s going to be the defensive coordinator. He’s going to call defenses,” Vrabel said on Williams. “He’s an aggressive-minded coach that’s coached really aggressive defensive lineman. That’s his background. And, so, I’ve enjoyed the process of what he’s learned when he’s gone to Detroit, what he learned with us in Tennessee, to be able to tie the back end together with the stuff that we want to do with the front. Those conversations have been going on in the last couple weeks since everybody’s been together.”
Though Williams been an NFL assistant coach since 2012, he has never officially held the title of defensive coordinator or called plays on defense until now, in New England. He has primarily coached defensive line, going back to his time with the Raiders, Dolphins, and Titans. He served as Vrabel’s assistant head coach in addition to D-line coach for Tennessee in 2023, then spent one season as the Lions’ defensive line coach and defensive run game coordinator.
Williams should certainly fix some of the problems that plagued the Patriots’ defensive front in 2024 under one-and-done defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington. The Pats finished dead-last in sacks (28) and allowed the seventh-highest passer rating (96.9) in Jerod Mayo’s only season as head coach, while finishing 22nd in points allowed per game (24.5). They also struggled to stop the run in the first half of the season, before sewing up some of those issues and finishing 14th in yards allowed per carry (4.4).
The Patriots’ new, more experienced defensive coaching staff promises to improve their preparation ahead of games, while the front office is planning on adding new personnel that fits what promises to be a more aggressive scheme.
There are fair concerns to have. The Patriots may reinvigorate fans and media by playing a more aggressive style, but there are risks associated with that – especially with an inexperienced play-caller. Running the wrong play at the wrong time can burn you in a hurry, such as calling a blitz and giving up a 69-yard touchdown to Cooper Kupp.
Alex Barth and I talked about that very concern during the newest Patriots Hub podcast, which you can watch above (or listen here). But despite the questions about Vrabel installing Williams as a first-time play-caller, we can’t fathom the defense would be any worse under this regime than it was under Mayo and Covington.
Matt Dolloff is a writer and digital content producer for 98.5 The Sports Hub. Read all of his articles here.
