O.C. Williams brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of defensive excellence to Tuskegee University, joining the Golden Tigers as Defensive Coordinator ahead of the upcoming season.
Williams arrives at Tuskegee following a successful stint as Assistant Head Coach, Defensive Line Coach, and Recruiting Coordinator at Fort Valley State University from 2022 to 2024. Under his leadership, Fort Valley State’s defensive unit transformed into one of the premier defenses in the SIAC, showing consistent growth in pass rush, run defense, and forcing turnovers. By 2024, the Wildcats had developed into one of the top run-stopping units in the conference, establishing a defensive identity built on physicality, discipline, and aggressiveness.
Before his tenure at Fort Valley State, Williams spent the 2021 season at Alabama A&M University as the Cornerbacks and Special Teams Coach, helping strengthen the Bulldogs’ defensive backfield and special teams performance.
From 2017 to 2020, Williams was an integral part of Reinhardt University’s success, helping guide the program to four consecutive Mid-South Conference titles and an NAIA National Championship runner-up finish. During his time there, he served as Defensive Line Coach, Run Game Coordinator, Recruiting Coordinator, and Defensive Coordinator, producing one of the nation’s most dominant defenses and mentoring multiple All-Conference selections and All-Americans.
Over his final two campaigns at Reinhardt, Williams was promoted to Defensive Coordinator, where his units continued to excel. His defenses produced three additional All-Conference defensive linemen, a Conference Player of the Year, and another All-American. Under his guidance, the Eagles led the Mid-South Conference in interceptions, ranked third in total defense, and finished among the NAIA’s top 15 nationally in scoring defense (16.3 ppg), pass defense (100.9 yds/game), and sacks (24).
Before Reinhardt, Williams spent the fall of 2016 as the Defensive Coordinator and Athletic Event Administrator at Duluth High School, where he helped strengthen the program’s defensive structure and player development.
Williams’ earlier coaching career includes a highly impactful tenure at the University of West Florida (UWF), where he joined in 2014 as one of the first defensive coaches in school history. At UWF, he served as the Defensive Passing Game Coordinator and Special Teams Coordinator, laying the foundation for the Argonauts’ defensive success.
Before UWF, Williams spent eight seasons at the University of North Carolina-Pembroke (UNCP), where he played a critical role in re-establishing the football program in 2007. He ultimately served as the team’s Defensive Coordinator, helping UNCP rank first in NCAA Division II in scoring defense in 2008 (11.2 ppg) and sixth in 2009 (15.1 ppg). From 2008 to 2010, the Braves also consistently ranked among the top 15 nationally in passing defense. Under his leadership, UNCP produced standout players like Caylon Hann, who tied for third nationally with seven interceptions in 2008.
Williams also built a reputation for excellence on special teams. His units consistently ranked among the nation’s best, including top-20 rankings in kickoff returns, punt returns, and kickoff coverage in multiple seasons. In 2014, UNCP finished fifth nationally in kickoff returns and sixth in punt return defense, while standout returner L.J. Stroman led the nation in kickoff returns (35.0 yards per return) and ranked 17th in punt returns (13.9 yards).
Williams began his coaching career at his alma mater, Alcorn State University, as a graduate assistant and special teams coach in 2001. He went on to hold roles at Richwood High School (La.), East Mississippi Community College, and McPherson College. He also spent time with the Edmonton Eskimos of the Canadian Football League (CFL) from 2001 to 2004, working as the assistant tryout coordinator.
A native of Lexington, Mississippi, Williams played defensive back and served as a long snapper at Alcorn State University after beginning his collegiate career at Holmes Community College.
Williams earned his bachelor’s degree in general studies from Alcorn State in 2001 and his master’s degree in secondary education in 2005. He is married to Tasha Williams.
