New England Patriots defensive coordinator Terrell Williams has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, head coach Mike Vrabel has announced.
Videos by FanBuzz
Vrabel provided the update during a Friday afternoon press conference. He also provided an update about how the team will move forward in the immediate future.
"Unfortunately, I have to tell you that Terrell Williams was determined to have prostate cancer," Vrabel said, "and is in the process of treatment and meeting with specialists and figuring out the best plan of attack to be able to attack this and heal it and fix it and allow him to get back to better health.
"You know how much Terrell means to me personally and to the people on this football team, so again, we want to send our regards and just publicly let everyone know that's what he's dealing with. When he's ready to talk, he'll talk on his behalf."
According to Vrabel, inside linebackers coach Zak Kuhr will continue to serve as the defensive coordinator. Williams has been absent for the past two games while dealing with what had previously been referred to as an unspecified medical concern.
Kuhr has served as the defensive coordinator for the past two games against the Miami Dolphins and Pittsburgh Steelers. He will continue in this role this weekend against the Carolina Panthers.
According to reporter Mark Daniels, the team said that Williams has remained around the facility while dealing with this medical issue. He has reportedly particularly helped with the defensive line and the pass rush.
Williams, 51, took over as the defensive coordinator at the start of the season. This marked his first time in this role after primarily focusing on the defensive line. This includes last season when he worked for the Detroit Lions as the defensive line coach and defensive run game coordinator.
Prior to joining the Lions and Patriots, Williams worked on Vrabel's staff in Tennessee. He spent six seasons as the defensive line coach, as well as one as the assistant head coach.
