Williams leaves UF to join Dolphins
DAVIE — The Dolphins have hired Terrell Williams to be their defensive line coach, according to an NFL source. The official announcement might come today.
Williams, who accepted a job as defensive line coach at Florida about three weeks ago, served as the Oakland Raiders’ defensive line coach for the previous three seasons.
Williams replaces Kacy Rodgers, the former Dolphins defensive line coach who accepted a job as the New York Jets’ defensive coordinator last month.
Coach Joe Philbin filled the sole opening on his coaching staff for the 2015 season by hiring Williams.
Williams, 40, previously coached defensive line at Texas A&M (2010-11), Purdue (2006-09), Akron (2004-05), Youngstown State (2002-03), North Carolina A&T (1999-01) and Fort Scott (Kan.) Community College (1998).
While at Texas A&M, Williams served on the staff of Mike Sherman, the Dolphins’ offensive coordinator for the 2012-13 seasons.
The Dolphins’ defensive line should be strong at the ends among Pro Bowl selection Cam Wake, fellow starter Olivier Vernon and backups such as Derrick Shelby and Dion Jordan.
But the team could be tasked with rebuilding one of its years-long strengths — defensive tackle — because starter Jared Odrick could become a free agent and fellow starter Randy Starks is owed $6 million. Starks could have his contract restructured or he might be released.
Earl Mitchell, a key member of the primarily three-man defensive tackle rotation, returns, and Shelby spent some time at tackle last season. Undrafted rookie Anthony Johnson, who ended the season on injured reserve due to an ankle ailment, also returns.
The Dolphins’ defensive line, despite a hiccup midway through the season, was regarded among the NFL’s best because of its depth and ability to rush the passer and stop the run, although the latter became a problem.
Still, with veterans such as Wake, Vernon, Mitchell and Shelby (a restricted free agent), and youngsters such as Jordan, Johnson and end Terrence Fede, Williams inherits a group that still should be among the best on the Dolphins.
There remains a chance Jordan, the No. 3 pick of the 2012 draft, could get a look at linebacker during the offseason. Defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle said the team would explore all possibilities. If so, the Dolphins would need another defensive end to add depth.