Paul Williams, who has 16 seasons of collegiate coaching experience, enters his second year as the University of Miami's defensive backs coach. Williams' unit helped the Canes to a No. 21 ranking in the nation in scoring defense, holding opponents to an average of 20.08 points per game.
Prior to arriving in Coral Gables, Williams spent five seasons as defensive backs coach at Temple University under Al Golden.
Williams' defensive backs helped lead Temple to a successful 2010 campaign, finishing 8-4 and 5-3 in the Mid-American Conference. Standout defensive back Jaiquawn Jarrett garnered All-MAC first-team honors for the second year in a row, headlining a group of four defensive players earning all-conference accolades. Jarrett was a second-round NFL draft pick by the Philadelphia Eagles.
In 2009, Williams had a plethora of defensive backs, helping TU win a single-season record nine consecutive games en route to a 9-3 overall record and first-place tie in the MAC East. A school record eight defensive players were named All-MAC, including two defensive backs. Jarrett garnered first-team honors, while senior captain Dominique Harris was a third-team honoree.
In 2008, the Owl defense helped Temple to the team's most wins most since 1990 and a second-place finish in the MAC East. Facing five opponents that went on to postseason play, the Owls persevered to new heights.
During its inaugural season of MAC play in 2007, Temple defense continued its success. TU led the MAC in five defensive statistical categories, including red-zone defense which also ranked first nationally. Williams saw DB Harris earn All-MAC honors as a sophomore in 2007.
A native of Newark, Del., Williams arrived in Owl Country after coaching safeties at Western Michigan.
In 2005, the defensive backfield at Western Michigan was comprised of four freshmen, a sophomore and one junior. Despite the inexperience, the Broncos ranked among the MAC's best with 15 interceptions and 24 pass break-ups. Safety Louis Delmas was named a Freshman All-American by CollegeFootballNews.com, as the team posted a 7-4 record, marking a tremendous turnaround for the program's history. The Broncos had a 1-10 record in 2004.
Prior to his arrival in Kalamazoo, Williams spent the previous six seasons at his alma mater, the University of Delaware, coaching the secondary (2001-04), wide receivers (1999-00) and special teams. In 2003, he helped the Blue Hens to a 15-1 record and an NCAA Division I-AA National Championship. Numerous players under Williams' direction not only earned Atlantic-10, but national honors as Delaware captured league titles three times during his tenure. Sidney Haugabrook was a four-time all-conference honoree and was named a first-team AFCA and Walter Camp All-American as a senior in 2004. Defensive backs Mike Adams and Ricardo Walker; placekickers Brad Shushman and Scott Collins; return specialist Brett Veach; as well as punters Ryan Bleiler and Chris Steiner were all named to all-league teams under Williams. Adams, an eight-year NFL veteran, is in his fifth season as a free safety for the Cleveland Browns following three seasons with the San Francisco 49ers.
Williams began his coaching career as an assistant defensive line coach at Lafayette College in 1996. He then coached two seasons (1997-98) at the University of Pennsylvania, assisting the secondary and special teams.
Williams earned a bachelor's degree in physical education studies from Delaware in 1996, lettering four years and playing on two Yankee Conference championship teams. Williams recorded 189 tackles, 27 pass breakups and 10 interceptions for the Blue Hens. He set an NCAA I-AA playoff record with a 100-yard interception return against Hofstra in 1995. A multi-sport athlete, he set the school record in the indoor 200 meters and won the 200 meters at the 1993 American East Outdoor Championships.
He is married to the former Nicole Heileman. The couple has a two-year old son, Austin.
WILLIAMS AT A GLANCE
Personal Info
Full Name
Paul Williams
Age
41
Hometown
Newark, Del.
Education
B.A. in Physical Education, University of Delaware (1996)
Wife
Nicole
Children
Son, Austin
Williams' Coaching Career
2011
Defensive Backs, University of Miami
2006-10
Defensive Backs, Temple University
2005-06
Safeties, Western Michigan University
2001-04
Secondary/Special Teams, University of Delaware
1999-00
Wide Receivers/Special Teams, University of Delaware
1997-98
Assistant Secondary/Special Teams, University of Pennsylvania
1996
Assistant Defensive Line, Lafayette University
Bowl Games as a Coach (1)
2009
EagleBank Bowl
Honors as a Player
Four-year letterman as University of Delaware defensive back
Set an NCAA I-AA playoff record with a 100-yard interception return against Hofstra in 1995
Played on two Yankee Conference championship teams
A multi-sport athlete, he set the school record in the indoor 200 meters and won the 200 meters at the 1993 American East Outdoor Championships
