Avery Williams joined the Bowie State Football coaching staff in 2018 and has played a vital role in the program’s continued success. Entering his fourth season as Defensive Coordinator and eighth as Defensive Line Coach, Williams has developed one of the most formidable defensive units in NCAA Division II football. Under his leadership, Bowie State’s defense has consistently ranked among the best in the nation and the CIAA Conference, producing numerous All-Americans, All-Conference players, and professional-level talent.
During the 2024 season, Williams’ defensive unit achieved several top national rankings, finishing third in red zone pass touchdowns allowed, fourth in defensive touchdowns scored, seventh in opponent third-down conversion percentage, and eighth in first-down defense. Within the CIAA, Bowie State ranked first in defensive touchdowns scored and fumble recovery yards, second in first downs allowed, and third in total sack yards, interception return yards, and third-down conversion percentage. The team also produced one Don Hansen All-American and one CIAA All-Conference player.
The 2023 season saw continued success, with the defense ranking 11th nationally in fourth-down conversion percentage, 13th in tackles for loss, 18th in red zone defense, 19th in opponent third-down conversion percentage, and 22nd in passing yards allowed. The Bulldogs finished second in the CIAA in sacks and defensive pass efficiency, while ranking in the top five in multiple defensive categories, including total touchdowns allowed, total rush defense, and total points allowed. Williams coached four CIAA All-Conference players and one All-Rookie Team member that season.
In 2022, Bowie State’s defense ranked seventh nationally in passing yards allowed, 11th in fourth-down conversion percentage, 16th in first-down defense and tackles for loss, and 25th in third-down conversion percentage. The Bulldogs also finished second in the CIAA in fourth-down conversion defense and ranked in the top five in sacks, third-down conversion percentage, and total pass defense. That season, Williams developed three CIAA All-Conference players and one All-Rookie Team member. His coaching also helped defensive lineman Joshua Pryor sign an NFL contract with the Washington Commanders, where he earned a spot on the 53-man roster as a rookie.
Williams was instrumental in Bowie State’s historic 2021 season, where the Bulldogs secured their third consecutive CIAA Conference title and advanced to the NCAA Division II Playoff quarterfinals for the first time in program history. The team finished with a school-record 12-2 overall mark. As the defensive line coach, Williams’ unit produced 147 tackles for loss, 42 sacks, and four defensive touchdowns. He also coached and developed a two-time AFCA All-American, two BOXTOROW All-Americans, the Super Region 2 Defensive Player of the Year, and one CIAA All-Rookie Team member. Three of his defensive linemen earned All-Conference honors.
The 2019 season marked another milestone for the program, as Bowie State completed its first-ever undefeated regular season (10-0) and won back-to-back CIAA Championships. The defense ranked nationally, recording 121 tackles for loss and 46 sacks, while producing an AFCA/BOXTOROW All-American, three CIAA All-Conference defensive linemen, and the CIAA Conference Defensive Rookie of the Year.
In his first season with Bowie State in 2018, Williams helped lead the team to its first 10-win season, first CIAA Championship, and first NCAA Playoff victory in school history. The defense finished second in the CIAA in passing defense and led the conference in sacks. That year, Williams developed two BOXTOROW All-Americans, four All-CIAA defensive linemen, and the CIAA Conference Freshman Rookie of the Year.
Before joining Bowie State, Williams built a successful coaching career at the high school level over a 16-year span in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. He founded the football program at St. Charles High School in Waldorf, Md., serving as the head coach from 2014 to 2017. Prior to that, he coached at T.C. Williams High School in Alexandria, Va., where he held multiple roles, including linebackers coach, special teams coordinator, defensive coordinator, recruiting coordinator, associate head coach, and head coach. He also coached football, basketball, and tennis at H.D. Woodson High School in Washington, D.C., and served as the strength and conditioning coach. Williams began his coaching career in 2002 as a defensive assistant at Central High School in Prince George’s County, Md.
A native of Halifax, Va., Williams is a 1998 graduate of Emory and Henry College, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education. As a student-athlete, he was a four-year starter, competing as a defensive back and linebacker.
