Retired New York Giants defensive back Shaun Williams, who has spent the past 13 years on the coaching staff at William Paterson University, was officially elevated to head coach on Monday.
“I am truly grateful for the opportunity to lead William Paterson University football,” Williams said, via the program’s official website. “I look forward to growing this program and making it the premiere destination for student-athletes to grow personally, academically and athletically. I have been a coach at WP for 13 years and understand the challenges and opportunities that we face. Throughout my time at William Paterson I have become a Pioneer and bleed Black and Orange, and I will build this program on pride and accountability.”
Williams first joined the Pioneers in 2009 as a part-time assistant coach before becoming the defensive coordinator in 2013. Earlier this year, he took over as interim head coach following Dustin Johnson departure to Villanova University.
Now Williams assumes the lead role without the interim title.
“Coach Williams is the perfect fit to lead our football program at this time,” Director of Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreation Kristen Foley said. “For the past 13 years, his dedication and commitment to WP have proved invaluable as a recruiter and assistant coach who possesses a special ability to relate to and communicate with people. Coach Williams’ clear strategy for competitive excellence in the classroom and on the playing field will move us forward to the next chapter of Pioneer Football and we are excited for the future.”
Williams was a first-round pick of the Giants in the 1998 NFL draft. He spent eight seasons in East Rutherford before closing out his playing career with the Carolina Panthers (2006).
In 104 career games (72 starts), Williams recorded 491 tackles, three forced fumbles, 4.5 sacks, 50 passes defensed and 15 interceptions.
