New DL coach shares defensive strategy and the reason he chose Detroit

INDIANAPOLIS — Terrell Williams, the Lions’ run game coordinator and defensive line coach, is in his 27th season of coaching and 13th in the NFL. He is one of the league’s most recognized defense coaches.

“Dan (Campbell) and I have talked for years about having the opportunity to work together,” Williams said Tuesday at the Combine.

“When this opportunity arose, it was an easy option for me. I’m grateful to the Tennessee Titans for allowing me to opt out of my contract because it was a difficult conversation because they’d been kind to me over the prior six years, and I planned on staying with them.

“But the opportunity to work with Dan and Brad (Holmes), AG (Aaron Glenn), and the rest of the team. My wife has family in Detroit. Then my son plays hockey. The hockey portion was larger than you think. It was a significant component of me coming to Detroit.”

Tahj, Williams’ 12-year-old son, is an outstanding young AAA hockey player. He’ll be joining one of Detroit’s premier hockey programs, and the opportunity to do so played a significant influence in Williams’ choice to relocate to Detroit.

Over the previous six seasons, Williams has transformed Tennessee’s defensive front into one of the most consistent in football.

“I think he’s the best d-line coach in the league,” Campbell remarked. “I believe he knows how to develop. He has game planning experience, which will be advantageous to our guys up front.”

The Titans allowed the fewest running yards per game (76.9) in 2022, as well as the NFL’s lowest rushing average (4.0) and fourth-fewest rushing yards (10,044) throughout Williams’ six-year tenure.

He has mentored several young players, like the Titans’ Jeffery Simmons, and is excited to work with some of Detroit’s youthful talent up front.

He inherits some promising young talent in Detroit, including Pro Bowler Aidan Hutchinson, as well as a front that helped Detroit finish second in the NFL in run defense this season.

Williams said his approach to playing football in the trenches is straightforward.

During Williams’ six-year career, the Titans allowed the fewest running yards per game (76.9), the NFL’s lowest rushing average (4.0), and the fourth-fewest rushing yards (10,044). He has mentored several young players, like the Titans’ Jeffery Simmons, and is looking forward to working with some of Detroit’s young talent up front.

He inherits some exciting young talent in Detroit, including Pro Bowler Aidan Hutchinson, as well as a front that helped the team rank second in the NFL in run defense this season.

Williams said his approach to playing football in the trenches is simple.