Remember Mike WIlliams? The 6-foot-5 wide receiver was a star for the USC Trojans football team from 2002-03, where he caught passes from Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart. The Trojans led a top-ten offense in both of his seasons, leading to a Rose Bowl victory in ’03.
Now, the former Trojans great is returning to USC.
According to Select Training Solutions’ Brian Archield, Williams is leaving his post as the head football coach at Robinson High School to take a job with his alma mater, the USC Trojans. Williams’ new role at USC will be taking over duties as the team’s Director of Player Development.
Mike Williams Returning To USC Trojans
While his first go-around in Southern California was short-lived, Williams’ 30 receiving touchdowns still ranks third all-time in USC history. He also had 2,579 receiving yards across two seasons, showing his dominance over lesser competition.
His excellent play led Williams to declare for the NFL Draft at just 20 years old despite having played just two seasons in college and not meeting the typical requirement of being at least three years removed from high school.
After a federal judge ruled that the NFL couldn’t prevent Maurice Clarett from turning pro, Williams decided to join him. Once he submitted all the necessary paperwork to get drafted, he knowingly forfeited all his remaining NCAA eligibility. What Williams didn’t know at the time was that the US Court of Appeals would later overturn the previous federal judge’s ruling on Clarett, making Williams ineligible for the 2004 NFL Draft.
This undoubtedly impacted his pro career, but Williams still managed to be selected 10th overall in the 2005 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions even after being forced to stay away from college and pro football for a full season.
Williams played five seasons in the NFL, totaling 1,526 yards and five touchdowns before wrapping up his NFL career in 2012.
While his playing days are done, Williams has remained involved in football in several capacities. His first taste of the post-NFL life introduced him to coaching defensive backs at the high school level in Los Angeles. Just three years later, he became a head coach for the first time. Now, after winning a championship at Robinson High School in Tampa Bay, Florida, Williams is settling back into his college roots in California.
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