Titans NFL Draft Daily (Jan. 18): Tennessee's Terrell Williams Named Senior Bowl Coach

Tennessee Titans defensive line coach and assistant head coach Terrell Williams has been named the coach of the Senior Bowl's American Team. This could serve as a big advantage for the Titans, with Williams getting a close look at several 2024 NFL Draft prospects.

NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Titans will get an early, up-close look at some of the top college prospects entering the 2024 NFL Draft. Titans defensive line and assistant head coach Terrell Williams has been named the coach of the American Team in the 2024 Senior Bowl.

Former Titans coach Mike Vrabel nominated Williams for the opportunity. The Reese's Senior Bowl made the announcement on Wednesday.

"I'm super excited about the opportunity to coach in the 2024 Senior Bowl," Williams said in a statement. "It's a great opportunity to help these college players get some exposure into what professional football is all about. I'm very thankful to Mike Vrabel for nominating me for this honor. I'm looking forward to working with coaches and other Senior Bowl personnel to make sure this is a great experience for the players."

New York Jets defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich will coach the National Team. The game will be played on Saturday, Feb. 3, at Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile, Ala.

This won't be Williams' first experience as a head coach. During the 2023 preseason, Vrabel stepped aside for the opener against the Chicago Bears, allowing his defensive line coach to call the shots.

"I do think it'll be a great opportunity," Vrabel said in August. "Well deserved. It's something I wanted to do."

Williams has been a defensive line coach in the NFL for more than a decade, having stops with the Oakland Raiders (2012-14) and Miami Dolphins (2015-17) before arriving in Nashville (2018-present). In 2023, Vrabel promoted Williams to assistant head coach, while also retaining him as the defensive line coach.

"There is no more deserving person to be a head coach for the Senior Bowl or any level than Terrell Williams," Vrabel said, per the Titans' website. "His loyalty, dedication, and service to the Titans program for the last six years has not gone unnoticed. 

"Terrell is a creative teacher and developer who also makes a unique connection with his players and those on the other side of the ball. I can't thank him enough for the impact that he has made on me personally as well as with our team. I am excited to watch him excel as a head coach in the Senior Bowl."

Titans Getting Senior Bowl Advantage?

Williams' appointment as the coach of the American Team in this year's Senior Bowl isn't just a great opportunity for him, it also could benefit the Titans. At least for now.

The Senior Bowl annually hosts some of the top college football players preparing for the NFL Draft. Williams will get a first-hand look at several players during practice and can relay information back to the organization.

It's especially important for a team with several needs heading into the 2024 season. Specifically, Tennessee must address concerns at offensive tackle, wide receiver, and cornerback in this year's draft.

However, because the Titans are in the middle of a coaching search, it's unclear if Williams will be retained by the new staff. During his press conference following Vrabel's firing, general manager Ran Carthon left open the possibility of some assistant coaches remaining with the franchise. He did not provide any names.

"My plan is to present our coaching staff to the next head coach and give him the ability to interview any of the guys on our current staff," Carthon said. "If he sees so, and go from there."

Either way, it's a great opportunity for Williams and can seriously help the organization come April. 

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