ROOSEVELT WILLIAMS joins the New York Jets as a defensive assistant with over 15 years of coaching experience at the NFL and collegiate level.

Williams most recently served as the cornerbacks coach at Houston Christian University (HCU) in 2024. Prior to HCU, he spent four seasons at Hardin-Simmons University as the defensive backs coach and defensive pass game coordinator. During his tenure at HSU, Williams coached eight defensive backs to All-American Southwest Conference honors. In 2021, his defensive unit ranked sixth in NCAA Division III for passing defense, allowing just 132 yards per game. In 2020, HSU's defense was ranked first in total defense, second in scoring defense, sixth in pass defense, and 10th in rushing defense nationally.

Before his time at HSU, Williams served as the defensive coordinator at Lincoln University for three seasons (2014-16).

Williams' coaching career also includes stints as the defensive coordinator at Seton Hill University (2013), defensive backs coach at Southwest Baptist University (2012) and Widener University (2010-11), and a season at Webber International University. He gained valuable NFL experience through the Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship with the San Diego Chargers, Indianapolis Colts, and Chicago Bears. Williams started his coaching career at Widener University, where he served as cornerbacks coach (2010) and special teams coordinator (2011).

Williams was a standout player at Tuskegee University. He became one of the top cornerbacks in the nation, earning All-American honors and first-team Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) selections all four years. Before transferring to Tuskegee, he played at Savannah State from 1998-99. At Tuskegee, Williams was part of the 2000 BSN Black College National Championship team and was considered one of the top five cornerbacks in the nation for the 2002 NFL Draft. He participated in the NFL Combine and Senior Bowl, where he was named a starter. Williams is regarded as one of the best cover cornerbacks to ever play for Tuskegee.

Williams was selected by the Chicago Bears in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft. He played seven games in his rookie season, starting three, and was named to the NFL All-Rookie Team in 2002. Williams also had stints with the Denver Broncos and Cleveland Browns, starting 15 of the 26 games he appeared in during his time with the Browns. He later played in the Canadian Football League with the Edmonton Eskimos.

FLIGHT PATH

New York Jets 2025-Present

Defensive Assistant 2025-Present

Houston Christian University 2024

Cornerbacks 2024

Hardin-Simmons University 2020-23

DBs & Def. Pass Game Coordinator 2020-23

Chicago Bears 2022

Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship 2022

ASA Miami College 2018-19

Head Coach 2018-19

Lincoln University 2014-16

Defensive Coordinator 2014-16

Seton Hill University 2013

Defensive Coordinator 2013

Indianapolis Colts 2014-15

Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship 2014-15

Southwest Baptist University 2012

Defensive Backs 2012

Widener University 2010-11

Special Teams Coordinator 2011

Cornerbacks 2010

San Diego Chargers 2011

Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship 2011

PLAYING CAREER

Edmonton Eskies (CB) 2006

Cleveland Browns (CB) 2003-04

Denver Broncos (CB) 2003

Chicago Bears (CB) 2002-03

Tuskegee (CB) 2001-02