Football
Williams, Chad
Chad Williams
- Title:
- Linebackers / Defensive Run-Game Coordinator
- Email:
- Chad.williams@usm.edu
- Phone:
- 266-5393
Former Southern Miss standout Chad Williams returned to his alma mater for the 2021 season to oversee the development of Golden Eagle cornerbacks. For the 2023 season, Williams took over as coach of the inside linebackers and run-game coordinator. In 2024, he will oversee the entire linebacker group as well as keep the run-game coordinator role.
In 2023, linebackers Hayes Maples and Swayze Bozeman each were tied for fourth on the team in total tackles with 54 apiece. Averie Habas, who was thought to be sidelined for the year with a heart issue, came back to play four games as well.
Williams’ 2022 unit proved to be the backbone of the Nasty Bunch. His cornerbacks helped the defense post top national numbers, including a No. 46 mark in total defense and No. 44 scoring defense. One product of his group, Eric Scott, Jr., heard his name called in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys.
In his first year with the program, Williams helped his side of the ball to a No. 42 national ranking in total defense (358.5) and as well as No. 24 nationally in passing yards allowed (202.0). The group was led by Scott, Jr., who posted 20 tackles with two interceptions and two fumble recoveries.
Williams returned to Southern Miss after spending the previous three seasons at Central Arkansas, which included being the team’s defensive coordinator the last two seasons. He also coached safeties and nickels for the school in 2018.
His previous coaching stops included Jacksonville State (2012), Middle Tennessee (2013-14), West Georgia (2014-15), Valdosta State (2015), West Alabama (2016) and Savannah State (2016-17).
Williams enjoyed the role of defensive coordinator during his time at both Valdosta State and Savannah State.
A former Southern Miss four-year letterwinner from 1998-2001, Williams played defensive back for the Golden Eagles, playing on a Conference USA championship team in 1999. In addition, he earned first-team all-league honors as a senior and was a second-team pick during this junior campaign.
During his playing tenure, Williams was a member of squads that played in the 1998 Humanitarian Bowl, the 1999 Liberty Bowl and the 2000 GMAC Mobile Bowl.
He went on to play professionally with the Baltimore Ravens (2002-06), the San Francisco 49ers (2006-07) and the Kansas City Chiefs (2007). Williams saw action in 79 NFL games and posted 160 tackles, nine interceptions (3 for touchdowns) and seven sacks.
In the spring of 2021, Williams was inducted into the Southern Miss M-Club Hall of Fame.
Williams graduated from Southern Miss in 2009 with a bachelor’s of science degree in coaching and sport administration.
In 2023, linebackers Hayes Maples and Swayze Bozeman each were tied for fourth on the team in total tackles with 54 apiece. Averie Habas, who was thought to be sidelined for the year with a heart issue, came back to play four games as well.
Williams’ 2022 unit proved to be the backbone of the Nasty Bunch. His cornerbacks helped the defense post top national numbers, including a No. 46 mark in total defense and No. 44 scoring defense. One product of his group, Eric Scott, Jr., heard his name called in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys.
In his first year with the program, Williams helped his side of the ball to a No. 42 national ranking in total defense (358.5) and as well as No. 24 nationally in passing yards allowed (202.0). The group was led by Scott, Jr., who posted 20 tackles with two interceptions and two fumble recoveries.
Williams returned to Southern Miss after spending the previous three seasons at Central Arkansas, which included being the team’s defensive coordinator the last two seasons. He also coached safeties and nickels for the school in 2018.
His previous coaching stops included Jacksonville State (2012), Middle Tennessee (2013-14), West Georgia (2014-15), Valdosta State (2015), West Alabama (2016) and Savannah State (2016-17).
Williams enjoyed the role of defensive coordinator during his time at both Valdosta State and Savannah State.
A former Southern Miss four-year letterwinner from 1998-2001, Williams played defensive back for the Golden Eagles, playing on a Conference USA championship team in 1999. In addition, he earned first-team all-league honors as a senior and was a second-team pick during this junior campaign.
During his playing tenure, Williams was a member of squads that played in the 1998 Humanitarian Bowl, the 1999 Liberty Bowl and the 2000 GMAC Mobile Bowl.
He went on to play professionally with the Baltimore Ravens (2002-06), the San Francisco 49ers (2006-07) and the Kansas City Chiefs (2007). Williams saw action in 79 NFL games and posted 160 tackles, nine interceptions (3 for touchdowns) and seven sacks.
In the spring of 2021, Williams was inducted into the Southern Miss M-Club Hall of Fame.
Williams graduated from Southern Miss in 2009 with a bachelor’s of science degree in coaching and sport administration.
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