Brian Williams was hired as Jacksonville State’s defensive coordinator in February 2025, bringing extensive Power Five experience and a strong recruiting background to the Gamecocks. Prior to joining Jax State, Williams spent three seasons as the defensive coordinator at the University of Maryland, where he also coached the defensive line beginning in 2020 after serving as the outside linebackers coach in 2019. During his tenure in College Park, Maryland’s defense showed marked improvement, including posting its best points-allowed average since 2010 in the 2023 season. Williams coached six All-Big Ten selections and earned recognition from 247Sports as the Big Ten’s top recruiter in the 2021 cycle, helping the Terrapins secure a top-20 national recruiting class.
Before Maryland, Williams spent three seasons at UAB as linebackers coach, contributing to an 11-win campaign and a Conference USA Championship Game appearance. His coaching career began at Florida State in 2013 as a defensive analyst, where he was part of a Seminoles staff whose defense ranked among the ACC leaders in pass, total, and rushing defense. A Miami native, Williams has built a reputation for developing high-caliber defensive talent and recruiting effectively in the Southeast, particularly in Alabama. His blend of conference championship experience and player development expertise positions him to lead Jacksonville State’s defense as the program continues competing at a high level in Conference USA.
