Brian Williams was hired as the program's new defensive coordinator in February 2025.
Williams has spent the last three seasons as the defensive coordinator at Maryland and has also worked with the Terrapins' defensive line since 2020 and was the outside linebackers coach during the 2019 season.
"I am very excited to add Brian to our staff," said Kelly. "His experience in and developing high-caliber players as well as his success in recruiting in Alabama will be a great addition to our team. He's a very well-rounded coach that has had success in our conference and in our state."
During the 2023 season, Williams' defense posted its best points allowed per game average since 2010. He's coached six All-Big Ten selections during his time at Maryland. In 2021, Williams was honored by 247Sports as the top recruiter in the Big Ten during that cycle, helping Maryland land the No. 18 class nationally.
Williams spent three seasons at UAB as the linebackers coach, helping the Blazers reach the Conference USA Championship game and an 11-win season.
The Miami native got his start in coaching as a defensive analyst at Florida State in 2013, helping the Seminole defense that led the ACC in pass defense, ranked second in total defense, and third in rushing defense.
