William Paterson University Athletics

Possessing nine years of NFL playing experience, Shaun Williams is in his 16th season at William Paterson in 2024 and his third as the team's Head Coach. He continues to fill the role of Defensive Coordinator for the Pioneers.

In his second season, he guided 12 Pioneers to All-New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) honors, the most by the program in a campaign since 1994.

During his first year at the helm of the program, he led the Pioneers to a five-win season to mark the most victories in a campaign for WP since 2012. He additionally helped WP post its longest regular season win streak (three games) since 2005 and earn its first win in an NJAC opener since 2010.

Williams spent nine years in the NFL (1998-2006), reaching Super Bowl XXXV as a member of the New York Giants, before joining the Pioneer coaching staff in 2009 as a part-time Assistant Coach. He was elevated to the full-time position of Defensive Coordinator in 2013 and fulfilled those responsibilities for nine seasons while working with the team’s safeties. Williams served as William Paterson’s Interim Head Coach during the spring of 2022.

Williams’ positive impact on the William Paterson program was immediate, and his willingness to share his knowledge on and off the field has helped 21 Pioneers earn a total of 33 all-conference awards, including 2010 D3football.com first-team all-American cornerback Leer Biddle.
 
Williams was selected 24th overall by the New York Giants in the first round of the 1998 NFL Draft, and worked with the nickel defense and special teams units for two years before moving into a starting role from 2000-02, including Super Bowl XXXV in 2001 when the Giants squared off against the Baltimore Ravens. An injury during the 10th game of the 2003 season, followed by another injury suffered during the second game of the 2004 campaign, limited his action for two years before he recovered to play in eight games for the Giants in 2005 and start 12 times for the Carolina Panthers during his final season in the league in 2006. All told, he had 347 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 15 interceptions and three forced fumbles during nine years in the NFL.

Following a standout career at Crespi Carmelite High School in Encino, Calif., Williams was a three-year starter at UCLA. He ranked third on the team with 59 tackles as a junior, earning honorable-mention all-Pac 10 honors, and as a senior he collected two interceptions, nine pass deflections and 68 tackles (second on team) en route to a spot on the All-Pac 10 First Team. Following the culmination of his playing career, Williams completed his bachelor’s degree at UCLA in 2011.

Williams’ WP Coaching Highlights
- Seven victories in two seasons as a head coach (2022-23)
- Two NJAC major award winners (one Defensive Player of the Year, one Rookie Offensive Player of the Year)
- Twenty-one all-NJAC honorees
- Five academic all-district selections
- Fourteen spots on the Academic All-NJAC Team