Former Cleveland Browns head coach Gregg Williams is heading to college football, joining Tennessee State University as their new defensive coordinator. Williams is part of a broader trend of experienced coaches working to enhance and transform HBCU programs.
Reggie Barlow, Tennessee State’s newly appointed head coach, announced Williams’ hiring. The two have previously worked together when Williams served as Barlow’s defensive coordinator and secondary coach for the DC Defenders in 2023, where they reached the XFL Championship.
Williams brings with him a wealth of experience, having coached at all levels since 1980. He was the defensive coordinator for the New Orleans Saints, who won Super Bowl XLIV, and was also part of the Tennessee Titans’ coaching staff when they lost to the St. Louis Rams in Super Bowl XXXIV. His coaching journey includes a stint as head coach of the Buffalo Bills, defensive coordinator for the Washington Redskins, Jacksonville Jaguars, New Orleans Saints, and the Cleveland Browns in 2017 and 2018, as well as a tenure with the New York Jets.
Although Williams is currently with the DC Defenders, Barlow clarified that he will only take on his new role at Tennessee State after completing the UFL season.