“I don’t think so. One thing about football is that sometimes we overcomplicate it. It’s a kid-driven game. I am going to come here. I’m going to be myself. I’m going to work really hard for these kids. What I said at the podium, that’s who I am. That’s why I don’t need any notes. […]
“I don’t think so. One thing about football is that sometimes we overcomplicate it. It’s a kid-driven game. I am going to come here. I’m going to be myself. I’m going to work really hard for these kids. What I said at the podium, that’s who I am. That’s why I don’t need any notes. I’m going to be comfortable in my skin. We are going to build the program the right way, do things the right way. So, no, I don’t really think there is any pressure. We are going to win football games.”What are your thoughts on following one of Alabama’s all-time great high school coaches?“It’s been awesome. It’s been a whirlwind. These last three weeks have been crazy. I can’t explain it any different than this was a God thing. I’m leaving a great place, a place that means the world to me, a place where I was born and raised, but I really think this is the right place to be right now.”He talked to his Brandon players Monday morning then drove to Mobile to start his new job. Here are some of the questions he was asked at his first meeting with the Alabama media.“I think it’s fun. I’ve coached in the All-Star Games. There are some really good coaches on both sides. I know there are good coaches over here. I think there is a little excitement anytime you get away from the monotony of playing the same teams. I love a new challenge, love trying to find different ways to win football games against different teams.”“I think you have to build a strong foundation. To me, that’s building relationships with the kids but also with the parents and the school and community. I’m a big modeler. I can’t sit here and tell you we are going to attack every day and come in and say slowly, ‘Well, boys, let’s get ready to lay it on the line.’ I’ve got to create that energy, that juice that kids want. I want them to look forward to workouts, to have a sense of urgency.”“Well, it’s funny the way it went down. I got a text message from someone I knew and 15 minutes later I got the first phone call. So I was like, ‘Man, they must actually be serious about this.’ I think me and Frank (Lott) talked for about 15 or 20 minutes on the front porch and that evolved into a zoom meeting and then an in-person meeting and then getting to meet everyone here. It went really fast, a lot faster than some searches I’ve been a part of.”“It was hard. We sat down as a committee and wanted to make sure we knew what are objectives were. First and foremost, we wanted a man who would come into this community and continue to do the great things we do at UMS-Wright and fit in with our unique culture. Second, we wanted a proven winner. … There is no question we got the right man for the job.”With so many state championships here at the school, is there a pressure that goes with this job?For the past four years, he’s been the head coach at Brandon High near Jackson where he accumulated a 45-10 overall record, went 11-4 in the postseason and played for three state titles.“If you talk to guys in Mississippi, it’s an attacking brand of football. We will be borderline, over-the-top, super aggressive on offense and defense. We want to be one of the fastest teams in Alabama. We want to extend the game instead of shrink it, and we want to create chaos. I don’t think any fans walk away from our games bored. We will be fast paced, high tempo. People come to our games. I preach attacking football, family atmosphere, playing for your brother. I think that is real apparent when you see my teams play.”What’s on your to-do list as you get started this week?What will it be like competing against new teams in a new state?What did you think when you got the first phone call from an Alabama area code?Can you describe your coaching philosophy?What’s it been like for you in the last week or so?“My dad played baseball at South Alabama. I’ve been one of those guys who really believes you are at places for a period of time and don’t know how long. It’s been a heck of a run at Brandon. I wasn’t looking to leave, but when UMS made contact with me, it wasn’t something I could ignore, especially the way things lined up. We have three small kids. I think the education at UMS-Wright is second to none. From the initial phone call to the interview process to walking with my wife and kids around campus, it was everything I wanted. I’m excited to get started.”A Mississippi native and former Mississippi State player, Williams earned his first head coaching job at age 25. He has an 82-24 overall record at three previous stops – all in Mississippi.“It’s a really great day for UMS-Wright,” head of school Doug Barber said. “I’m excited to welcome Sam and his family. I want to send out a special thank you to our search committee. The time and energy you’ve put forth over the last couple of weeks to find the right person has been a special, special time.UMS-Wright officially introduced Sam Williams as its first new head football coach in 26 years at a press conference Monday afternoon.Williams, 33, replaces Hall of Famer Terry Curtis, who won eight state titles during his tenure at the school.“It seems like everywhere I’ve ever been I’ve had one big question to answer. I have nothing but respect for coach Curtis. I’ve talked to him a little. What a great guy. What a great career. But I can’t be him, and I’m not going to try to be him. Some elements of what we do will probably be similar. Some will be different. He didn’t stay here as long as he did by not believing in the things UMS believes in about growing kids into good young men. I took this job because I believe in those things as well. It’s not about me or him. It’s about making our guys the best version of themselves.”What made UMS-Wright and Mobile the right fit at this time in your career?
