Detroit Lions believe they struck gold with new defensive line coach

ALLEN PARK — When Dan Campbell and Aaron Glenn spoke to reporters for the first time in a couple of months, the head coach and defensive coordinator each had a similar feeling about new Detroit Lions defensive line coach Terrell Williams.

Campbell was asked about the progression of Lions defensive tackle Brodric Martin, then pointed to his confidence in Williams, saying “I think he really is – he’s the best D-Line coach in this league.

And if he’s not, then you can argue what place he is.” The head coach previously said this about Williams back at the scouting combine, praising him for his understanding of the game and proven ability to develop and get the most out of his players.

And Glenn, about 20 minutes later, was asked about increasing the team’s sack numbers this next season before pointing to his belief in Williams, adding “I feel like we have one of the best — if not the best — D-line coach in the league.”

Williams takes over the defensive line and will serve as the team’s run game coordinator, replacing John Scott after one season in Detroit. He comes to the Lions after coaching the defensive line for the Oakland Raiders, Miami Dolphins and Tennessee Titans over the previous 11 years. Williams added the title of assistant head coach in his final year on Mike Vrabel’s staff in Tennessee and joins a coaching staff loaded with former players and returning names.

“The technique, the way that he goes about coaching, he’s very confident, and his intelligence about the position, too,” Glenn elaborated about Williams when asked by MLive. “Listen, I’ve been around a couple of good ones. Ryan Nielsen, who’s actually the coordinator in Jacksonville, I’ve been around him for a while and they’re comparable as far as knowledge, as far as defense.

“And he believes exactly what I believe in when it comes to D-Line play, so that’s a good thing.”

Williams takes over for a defensive line that played a large role in rocking one of the league’s best-run defenses last season. The Lions allowed only 3.7 yards per carry, ranking third in the NFL, and just 1,509 rushing yards on the campaign, ranking second in the league. Aidan Hutchinson was one of the game’s best pressure creators in his second season, and Alim McNeill flashed another level to his game with a breakout third year.

The Titans, despite their struggles last season, still had a strong run defense with one of the best red-zone showings. They ranked first in red-zone scoring percentage, and that’s not nothing.

And while Williams was admittedly happy with the Titans after six years. He couldn’t say no to reuniting with Campbell, from their time in Miami, not to mention general manager Brad Holmes. Williams coached Holmes while serving as North Carolina A&T’s defensive line coach.