UCF defensive backs coach Addison Williams promoted to defensive coordinator

A former South Carolina defender got a coaching promotion in the college football coaching ranks on Sunday afternoon. Per On3’s Matt Zenitz, UCF has promoted their defensive backs coach, Addison Williams to defensive coordinator. Knights’ head coach Gus Malzahn also announced the move on Sunday in a press release issued by the school.

“Addison is a rising star in the coaching profession,” said Malzahn. “He is not only a great coach, but a super person. I’m excited to have him running our defense,” he noted in the press release issued by the school.

This season, veteran Knight corners Davonte Brown, Corey Thornton, and Brandon Adams played critical roles in helping UCF rank third in the American Athletic Conference in team pass efficiency defense. They also helped UCF rank fifth nationally in red-zone defense. In 2022, Brown earned honorable mention All-American honors and AAC Cornerback of the Year honors from Pro Football Network.

Williams played defensive back for South Carolina. He’s been on UCF’s staff the last two years. Before that, he spent time working for the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers and the Auburn Tigers. While at Coastal Carolina, he coached the safeties. That season, the Chanticleers ranked third nationally with 16 interceptions. Coastal Carolina finished with an overall record of 11-1 in 2020. He was also worked under Gus Malzahn while he was coaching with the Auburn Tigers. Williams rejoined Malzahn’s staff at UCF on Feb. 22, 2021.

He also started out his coaching career with the Gamecocks–working as a student assistant for the 2010 version of South Carolina. They went on to win the SEC East title that season.

In 16 career games with the Gamecocks, Williams tallied 24 tackles and one interception. He played his high school football at Westlake High School (Atlanta, Georgia). He guided his team to the state playoffs in three straight seasons, including the 3A state title game in 2004.