Grambling Fires Coach Doug Williams After Two Game Defeat

Head coach of Grambling State Tigers, Doug Williams, was fired today, after his team lost again. It has not been a good start to the season for the Tigers as they have lost two of two.

George Ragsdale, the running back’s coach, will take his place temporarily as interim head coach after the remainder of Williams’ contract was bought out.

Last year the team had a 1-10 record and enjoyed some good success under Doug Williams, This season has not been the same though, after the Tigers lost its opening game to Alabama State 23-9.

Frank Pogue, the Grambling President, said in a statement: “We recognize Doug Williams’ many contributions to our football legacy, and we express our deep appreciation for his service to Grambling State University and we wish him well in the future.”

Williams became head coach of the Tigers in 1998. In 2004 he moved to an office job at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, returning to the Tigers again in 2011. In that season he lead the team to a SWAC championship.

Williams told reporters that he spoke with Pogue who informed him that he was leaving the team. Williams said, “There wasn’t a lot of conversation. I told him, `OK,’ and I was gone.”

He also spoke about his son, D.J., who is quarterback for the team: “I know D.J. is emotional, but I told him he has to be strong and he told me he will. That’s all I need for him to be strong. If he’s strong, his daddy is going to be all right.”

The Grambling firing of Coach Williams came suddenly and was a shock to many people, not least to Williams himself. The Tigers will be looking to fill his shoes as soon as possible before the season gets properly underway.