According to a report from Dianna Russini of The Athletic, the Detroit Lions are set to bring Terrell Williams on board as a new addition to their coaching staff, taking on the roles of Run Game Coordinator and Defensive Line Coach.
The Detroit Lions have appointed Terrell Williams as their new run game coordinator and defensive line coach, as reported by Dianna Russini of The Athletic. Williams, a former defensive tackle at East Carolina University until 1995, swiftly transitioned into coaching just three years later. Throughout his coaching journey in college football, he ascended through various programs, moving from Youngstown State in the MVC conference to Akron in the MAC conference, then Purdue in the Big Ten, and finally Texas A&M in the SEC, before joining the Raiders in 2012.
In 2015, Williams assumed the role of defensive line coach for the Miami Dolphins, where he first crossed paths with Dan Campbell, now the head coach of the Lions, who was then serving as the Dolphins’ interim coach. Subsequently, Williams joined the Tennessee Titans, initially as their defensive line coach, eventually taking on the additional responsibility of assistant head coach.
Williams has a track record of nurturing top-tier talent, having mentored several Pro Bowl players. During his tenure at Purdue, he played a pivotal role in the development of Ryan Kerrigan, Cliff Avril, Kawaan Short, and Anthony Spencer. At Texas A&M, he mentored Von Miller, while Cameron Wake experienced significant career growth under his guidance. In Tennessee, Jurrell Casey and Jeffrey Simmons thrived under Williams’ tutelage.
Despite the Lions having John Scott Jr. as their current defensive line coach, there has been no indication of any change in his status. While both Scott and Williams carry the same title of defensive line coach, it’s plausible that the Lions are redistributing responsibilities among their coaching staff, as is customary during the offseason.
Notably, Williams’ impact on the Titans’ defensive line was remarkable, as evidenced by the team’s top-rated defense against the run in the NFL in 2022. This accomplishment likely contributed to his new role as the Lions’ run game coordinator.
In summary, Terrell Williams brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success to his new role with the Detroit Lions. His expertise in coaching defensive lines and developing talent, coupled with his recent achievements with the Titans, positions him as a valuable addition to the Lions’ coaching staff.