Brian Williams, Maryland’s defensive coordinator for the past three seasons and a member of the staff for six years, is expected to leave for the same role at Jacksonville State, Matt Zenitz of 247Sports reported Friday.
Williams joined the Terps as part of Michael Locksley’s first staff when he became head coach prior to the 2019 season. He started as the Terps’ outside linebackers coach, gradually working his way toward the top defensive coaching role.
Maryland’s defense vastly improved under Williams’ guidance starting in 2022, allowing more than seven fewer points per game than in 2021. That total slightly improved in 2023 before a disappointing campaign last year.
[Maryland football hires Pep Hamilton as offensive coordinator]
Multiple Terps were selected in the NFL Draft under Williams’ tutelage. Defensive backs Jakorian Bennett, Deonte Banks and Tarheeb Still were all picked in the past two drafts, with Banks being the first Maryland player chosen in the first round since 2019.
Defensive linemen Tommy Akingbesote and Jordan Phillips, as well as defensive back Dante Trader Jr., were all invited to the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine and have a chance to get drafted this April.
Williams has ties to new Jacksonville State head coach Charles Kelly. The two served on Florida State’s coaching staff in 2013 and 2014.
An option to fill Maryland’s defensive coordinator position is Aazaar Abdul-Rahim, who spent last season as the cornerbacks coach, associate head coach for the defense and co-defensive coordinator.
