A first year Athletic Coaching Education master’s student will coach at the 2016 International Bowl for USA Football. This the second year that Williams has been selected to coach at the bowl game.
Williams will serve as the defensive backs coach and oversee all instruction, evaluation and performance by the cornerbacks and safeties. He expects to coordinate the passing game defensive strategy and coverage as well as other collateral duties, most likely having a significant role in coordinating the special teams.
“The selection process this year was fairly simple. The largest issue was waiting for the NCAA to give clearance to USA Football to use D1 (Power 5 – Football) coaches in the games,” Williams explained.
“Last year I was coaching at a D2 program. We had already received clearance for that level. Once administrators were informed of the clearance, they got in touch with me and we worked out a position,” he added.
As a student in the Athletic Coaching Education graduate program, track 2/3, Williams is scheduled to graduate in December of 2017. He is assigned as a defensive graduate assistant (off-the-field) with WVU Football. His main focus is as an analyst and in quality control, working with the defensive line and linebackers. Williams plans to continue coaching at the college level.
The involvement with USA Football has helped Williams expand his network.
“Every event I have worked with USA Football has provided connections with fantastic coaches and great recruits. It is helpful to share information and tactics with the top coaches from around the country. With this experience, I would expect to become a coordinator or head coach for the 2017 games,” said Williams
Williams gives credit CPASS faculty members Kristen Dieffenbach and Ryan Flett for their support and expertise.
“Dr. Dieffenbach and Dr. Flett have been influential in my coaching development. Dr. Dieffenbach is excellent at helping me consider my development as a coach and to make sure I am focused on developing myself, not just my players,” he added.
“Dr. Flett is experienced in my sport and has been great on several levels. It is rare in my sport to find coaches who are interested in sport psychology. Being able to talk to him has been a help to me personally. I’m looking forward to continue my relationship with them and getting to know the rest of the CPASS professors,” Williams explained.