Inside the Headset Presented by CoachComm
O.C. Williams II, Defensive Coordinator – Tuskegee
June 5, 2025
On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we’re joined by O.C. Williams, the Defensive Coordinator at Tuskegee University. In this conversation, Coach Williams delves into how he valued gaining a wide range of experiences, how he navigated change throughout his career, and how he learned from each step he took. Coach Williams recently joined the staff at Tuskegee after serving as the Assistant Head Coach, Defensive Line Coach, and Recruiting Coordinator at Fort Valley State.
Follow Coach Williams & Tuskegee Football here: @CoachOCTigers & @SkegeeFootball
Be sure to follow Inside the Headset on your favorite podcast platform and subscribe to our YouTube channel for exclusive content. If you enjoyed this episode, please give it a like and leave a review—it really helps others discover the show. We drop new episodes every week, so hit that follow button and never miss a moment. Find us here: https://linktr.ee/insidetheheadset
Show Notes:
1:21 Introduction
1:48 Getting started in the coaching profession.
5:13 Transitioning from a player to a coach at your alma mater.
6:53 Uniqueness of coaching Special Teams.
9:46 Landing your first full-time job at Richwood HS (LA).
11:42 Taking lower-paying jobs early on in your career.
14:56 Partnership with the CFL.
17:54 Opportunity to return to college level at East Mississippi CC.
19:41 The Value of getting experience in all phases of the game early on.
24:07 Transition to McPherson.
26:30 Experience moving to a new city or school.
29:31 Being great where you are at.
31:15 Challenges you faced as a first-time coordinator.
33:10 Managing people as a young coordinator.
36:38 Transition from Interim HC at McPherson to opportunity at UNC Pembroke.
44:42 Experience beginning the program at UNC Pembroke.
46:22 Setting yourself up for promotions.
48:18 Growth as a Defensive Coordinator.
50:38 Opportunity at West Florida.
56:50 Taking a step back from coordinating as a position coach.
1:1:49 Making moves for better personal situations.
1:4:36 Opportunity at Reinhardt.
1:8:40 Transition to Alabama A&M and learning something from every stop that you have.
1:11:29 Most recent stop at Fort Valley State.
1:13:00 Taking over the Defense at Tuskegee and plans for the program.
1:14:26 Conclusion.
For more information about the AFCA, visit www.AFCA.com. For more interesting articles, check out The Insider and subscribe to our weekly email.
If you are interested in more in-depth articles and videos, please become an AFCA member. You can find out more information about membership and specific member benefits on the AFCA Membership Overview page. If you are ready to join, please fill out the AFCA Membership Application.
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O.C. Williams II, Defensive Coordinator – Tuskegee
On this week’s episode of Inside the Headset – Presented by CoachComm, we’re joined by O.C. Williams, the Defensive Coordinator at Tuskegee University. In this conversation, Coach Williams delves into how he valued gaining a wide range of experiences, how he navigated change throughout his career, and how he learned from each step he took. Coach Williams recently joined the staff at Tuskegee after serving as the Assistant Head Coach, Defensive Line Coach, and Recruiting Coordinator at Fort Valley State.
Follow Coach Williams & Tuskegee Football here: @CoachOCTigers & @SkegeeFootball
Be sure to follow Inside the Headset on your favorite podcast platform and subscribe to our YouTube channel for exclusive content. If you enjoyed this episode, please give it a like and leave a review—it really helps others discover the show. We drop new episodes every week, so hit that follow button and never miss a moment. Find us here: https://linktr.ee/insidetheheadset
Show Notes:
1:21 Introduction
1:48 Getting started in the coaching profession.
5:13 Transitioning from a player to a coach at your alma mater.
6:53 Uniqueness of coaching Special Teams.
9:46 Landing your first full-time job at Richwood HS (LA).
11:42 Taking lower-paying jobs early on in your career.
14:56 Partnership with the CFL.
17:54 Opportunity to return to college level at East Mississippi CC.
19:41 The Value of getting experience in all phases of the game early on.
24:07 Transition to McPherson.
26:30 Experience moving to a new city or school.
29:31 Being great where you are at.
31:15 Challenges you faced as a first-time coordinator.
33:10 Managing people as a young coordinator.
36:38 Transition from Interim HC at McPherson to opportunity at UNC Pembroke.
44:42 Experience beginning the program at UNC Pembroke.
46:22 Setting yourself up for promotions.
48:18 Growth as a Defensive Coordinator.
50:38 Opportunity at West Florida.
56:50 Taking a step back from coordinating as a position coach.
1:1:49 Making moves for better personal situations.
1:4:36 Opportunity at Reinhardt.
1:8:40 Transition to Alabama A&M and learning something from every stop that you have.
1:11:29 Most recent stop at Fort Valley State.
1:13:00 Taking over the Defense at Tuskegee and plans for the program.
1:14:26 Conclusion.
For more information about the AFCA, visit www.AFCA.com. For more interesting articles, check out The Insider and subscribe to our weekly email.
If you are interested in more in-depth articles and videos, please become an AFCA member. You can find out more information about membership and specific member benefits on the AFCA Membership Overview page. If you are ready to join, please fill out the AFCA Membership Application.
