Patriots defensive coordinator Terrell Williams diagnosed with prostate cancer

Patriots defensive coordinator Terrell Williams has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, head coach Mike Vrabel revealed Friday.

Vrabel told reporters Williams is "in the process of treatment and meeting with specialists, and figuring out the best plan of attack."

Williams took time away from the team after Week 1 of the season, and missed several weeks of in-person team activities this offseason.

"You know how much Terrell means to me personally and to the people on this football team,” Vrabel said. “So we want to send our regards publicly and let everybody know that’s what he’s dealing with... he’s been through a lot and we care about him.”

Williams, 51, previously coached with Vrabel on the Tennessee Titans staff.