The Tennessee Titans have hired former Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams as senior assistant/defense today after the NFL reinstated the veteran coach from indefinite suspension for his role in the Bountygate scandal, according to the Tennessean.
“I have known Gregg for over two decades and have seen him work his way up from a quality control coach to a head coach,” Titans coach Mike Munchak said in a statement released by the team. “He will bring a great deal of defensive knowledge and energy to our staff. The decision to bring him here only came after going through a thoughtful and thorough process.”
Williams started his career in the NFL with the Oilers/Titans and coached for 11 seasons. He was the Saints defensive coordinator 2009-2011 and admitted to running a bounty pool that rewarded players for knocking out targeted opponents.
The NFL issued a statement today in regards to Williams’ reinstatement:
“Commissioner Roger Goodell today notified Gregg Williams and the Tennessee Titans that Williams’ contract with the Titans has been approved and that he has been reinstated. The commissioner cited several reasons for the reinstatement, including Williams’ forthcoming acknowledgement of and acceptance of responsibility for his role in the bounty program at the Saints, his commitment to never again be involved in a pay-for-performance or bounty system, and his pledge to teach safe play and respect for the rules at all levels of the game. The commissioner emphasized that Williams must fully conform to league rules and will be subject to periodic monitoring to confirm his compliance.”
In Williams’ final season in Tennessee, the Titans ranked first in the NFL in defense and second in scoring defense.
