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Longtime NFL Coach Abruptly Steps Down From His XFL Job

Originally posted on The Spun | By Matt Hladik | Last updated Apr 9, 2025 5:05 PM ET

A longtime NFL assistant coach has stepped down from his post as an XFL defensive coordinator just days before the team's third game of the season.

Gregg Williams, who was in his third season as the defensive coordinator for the DC Defenders, has left the position, according to multiple reports. Through the first two weeks of the 2025 XFL season, Williams' unit allowed just 23 points in wins over Birmingham and Memphis.

DMV sports personality @DeeLovesSports first shared the news of Williams stepping down on X/Twitter Tuesday night.

"Going to miss Gregg Williams in DC! Ladies & Gents get familiar with his Son, Coach Blake Williams on the Defensive side for the DC Defenders!" she wrote.

On Wednesday afternoon, Matty Fresh, host of "Springball Boulevard" on Bleav Network, confirmed that Williams was out and his son was taking over.

DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 15: Head coach Gregg Williams of the Cleveland Browns stands on the field before a game against the Denver Broncos at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on December 15, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)

"Blake Williams, current DL coach, will take over for Sunday’s St. Louis game & beyond. Don’t know all the details, but the timing can’t be worse here," Fresh tweeted.

Gregg Williams, who was head coach of the Buffalo Bills from 2001-03 and interim head coach of the Cleveland Browns during the 2018 season, has two decades worth of experience as an NFL defensive coordinator on his resume, most recently with the New York Jets in 2019-20.

As for Blake Williams, he worked under his father in several NFL stops, serving as an assistant in the league from 2006-20. In 2012, when Gregg Williams was suspended by the NFL for his role in the New Orleans Saints "Bountygate" scandal, Blake served as the defensive coordinator of the St. Louis Rams in his place.

Ironically, his first game taking over for his dad running the Defenders' defense will be against the St. Louis Battlehawks on Sunday afternoon.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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