Dan Campbell brought Terrell Williams to Detroit last winter, calling him the best defensive line coach in the NFL. Now Williams is reuniting with Mike Vrabel in New England.
Williams is leaving the Lions to become defensive coordinator of the Patriots, who hired Vrabel as head coach last week. Williams spent six seasons under Vrabel with the Titans before Vrabel was fired by Tennessee after last season, which paved the way for Williams to wind up in Detroit.
Williams helped the Lions' defense finish fifth in the NFL against the run this season despite several key losses on the defensive line, headlined by Aidan Hutchinson and Alim McNeill. His players spoke highly of him throughout the year.
The Lions' coaching staff is being raided after the best regular season in franchise history. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson left to become head coach of the Bears, defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn is on his way out to become head coach of either the Jets or the Saints and offensive line coach Hank Fraley is a possible departure as well.
Campbell has significant work to do to replenish the ranks.