One of the all-time greats of Middlesboro’s long football history is back home. Middlesboro officials announced Sunday that Brian Williams is joining the coaching staff as defensive coordinator.
A 1982 graduate of Middlesboro High School, Williams returns to his roots with more than 30 years of coaching experience at the high school, collegiate, and BCS levels. Throughout an accomplished career, coach Williams has impacted countless student-athletes and programs with his knowledge, leadership and passion for the game, according to a press release from the Middlesboro football program. Williams went on to play at the University of Kentucky. As a senior at the University of Kentucky in 1985, Williams earned second team All-SEC recognition, was voted the team’s most valuable senior and was a two-time winner of the outstanding defensive lineman of the year award.
“Bringing coach Brian Williams back home to Middlesboro is a tremendous addition to our program. Brian has spent more than 30 years coaching the game at every level, including the highest levels of college football, but what excites me most is the person he is and the passion he has for this community,” said first-year Middlesboro coach Hunter Adams. “Our players are going to learn from someone who has coached elite athletes, developed winning programs, and understands what it means to wear the black and gold. His experience, leadership, and ability to mentor young men will make everyone around him better. We’re proud to welcome one of our own back home, and I know he’ll have a lasting impact on our football program and our community.”
Williams spent the last two seasons at Harlan, posting a 3-19 mark. He came to Harlan from North Carolina Wesleyan where he had been an assistant coach since 2018. His extensive coaching journey covering more than three decades includes early stints at Ohio State, the University of Cincinnati, Fresno State and Pittsburgh. Before landing at N.C. Wesleyan, Williams also served as the associate head coach, defensive coordinator.and recruiting coordinator at the University of Pikeville. He spent four years at Texas A&M Commerce University and Alabama State, respectively.
Williams joins a talented Middlesboro squad that posted an 11-1 record in Larry French’s last season as head coach. Senior quarterback Deakon Partin passed for 2,233 yards and 30 touchdowns as he completed 125 of 195 passes. Caden Lawson, a sophomore, ran for 884 yards and nine touchdowns. Colby Lawson added 472 yards and four touchdowns. The Jackets lost three of their top four receivers to graduation but return senior Amari Houston, who had 23 catches for 554 yards and 10 touchdowns.
On defense, Colby Lawson led the Jackets in tackles with 84, and junior Jacob Tinnell was third with 70. Cameron Mosley and Kordell Partin were fifth and sixth with 61 and 59, respectively.
