Doug Williams Celebrates HBCU Coaching Legacy Ahead of Matchup

Former NFL quarterback and coach Doug Williams will be closely following the upcoming football game between Norfolk State and Delaware State at Lincoln Financial Field. As a historic figure in the realm of football, Williams, who once played at Grambling State, reflects on the changing landscape of coaching at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

At 70 years old, Williams expressed a longing to return to coaching for one more game. He fondly remembers his time at Grambling State during the late 1970s, where he initially aimed to secure a degree rather than pursue an NFL career. “When I went to Grambling, I didn’t go there to be an NFL player,” Williams told The Inquirer. “I went there to get a degree and maybe go back to coach high school. Fortunately, I played well enough to warrant an opportunity in the NFL.”

Williams’s collegiate career was impressive, featuring a 36-7 record as a four-year starter. He led the NCAA in multiple passing categories in 1977, including yards and touchdown passes. His transition to the NFL was groundbreaking; he became the first Black quarterback selected in the first round of the NFL draft when Tampa Bay chose him 17th overall in 1978. Williams later led Washington to a Super Bowl victory in 1987.

Reflecting on the recent influx of former NFL players coaching at HBCUs, Williams acknowledges the trend’s significance. Deion Sanders began coaching at Jackson State in 2020, paving the way for others. This season, Michael Vick and DeSean Jackson have joined the ranks, with Jackson coaching at Delaware State and Vick at Norfolk State.

Williams remarked on the importance of this development for the HBCU community. He recently congratulated Jackson for his early success, noting, “DeSean Jackson, at this time, is doing a heck of a job up at Delaware State. I didn’t expect that to happen, but I like what he’s doing.” He also praised Vick’s coaching opportunities in his hometown, stating, “Michael Vick wanted to coach, and Norfolk gave him that opportunity. I think that is great.”

The matchup between Vick and Jackson, dubbed the “HBCU Battle of the Legends,” is highly anticipated. Williams expressed disappointment at not being able to attend the game in person but confirmed he would be watching from home. “I’m not looking at the NFL tonight,” he said with a smile. “I’m looking at Michael Vick and DeSean Jackson tonight.”

Williams’s journey from Grambling State to the NFL and now as a mentor for the next generation of coaches reflects a significant chapter in sports history. His hope is that these former players will continue to rise, stating, “I just hope these other guys do the same thing. Get an opportunity to move up, too, because that’s what life is all about.”

As the game approaches, the excitement surrounding the contributions of HBCUs to the football landscape only intensifies. The legacy of pioneers like Doug Williams serves as both an inspiration and a reminder of the vital role these institutions play in shaping future athletes and coaches.