Newly crowned defensive coordinator Blake Williams coaches junior linebacker Caleb Young during spring practice. Williams will now be in charge of replacing a strong linebacker core that featured Isiah Corbett and Drew Misita.
The Lion’s Roar / Taja Morgan
There is a new man at the helm of the dynamic Lions defense that has dominated the Southland Conference for the last several years. After spending several years in the NFL in numerous jobs ranging from linebackers coach to defense coordinator, Blake Williams joins the Lions football team as the new defense coordinator. The position opened earlier in the spring when the former defensive coordinator left the university to join LA Tech as the safeties coach.
Williams has a lengthy resume despite just recently turning 30 last December. The beginning of the journey to becoming Southeastern’s coach began many years ago. The New York native was born into a football family, the son of former Buffalo Bills head coach Gregg Williams. During his time in college, Williams played defensive back and starred in special teams for the Princeton Tigers. After graduating from the Ivy League school, Williams received his first opportunity to coach as an intern coach for the Washington Redskins. He then went on to join with the Jacksonville Jaguars as a strength and conditioning coach.
In 2009, Williams was a part of the Super Bowl champions, the New Orleans Saints. Williams finally received his chance to coach as a defensive coordinator when the St. Louis Rams promoted him in the 2012 season. Williams possesses more than just experience in the pros. Since departing the Rams, Williams has spent the last two seasons coaching on the college level at William Jewell College. It was all of this experience that head coach Ron Roberts applauded in an interview with lionsports.net
“Blake is going to be a tremendous addition to our staff,” said Roberts. “He brings with him a wealth of experience as a coach at the professional level, as well as playing experience from his time at Princeton. Blake shares the same philosophy that we do. Blake is going to bring a fresh perspective that is going to be a plus for our program.”
Now currently with the Lions, Williams and team has begun spring training for the 2015 football season. This year’s spring game is scheduled for March 28. Fans looking to catch a sight of the new defensive coordinator can attend one of the Lions practices, which are Tuesdays and Thursdays at 4:30 p.m. and Saturday at 10 a.m.
The first game of the Lions’ 2015 season is Sept. 3 against fellow Southland foe Northwestern State.
For more information on Lions football and a full schedule, visit lionsports.net.