Jay Williams announced as DDHS head football coach
Published Feb.13, 2024
Sports Editor
David Douglas High School has announced new Head Football Coach Jay Williams.
Williams had assistant coached for David Douglas for seven years, and worked with the NFL flag football league with an estimated 400 kids competing, in 2023.
Williams is a former player for Portland State University, and played professionally in Arena Football League and the Indoor Football league. Playing for teams such as for the Green Bay Blizzards (Green Bay, WI -2005), Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers (Wilkes-Barre, PA - 2006) and the Indoor Football League (IFL) for the San Angelo Stampede (San Angelo, TX - 2007/2008), Ohio Valley Greyhounds (Wheeling, WV - 2006), and the Alaska Wild. He's a 2X NJCAA All-American Football WR. A 2 year starter at Portland State University at WR making honorable mention All-Conference, also being noteworthy.
“It has been a lifelong dream of mine to become a Head Coach. The sport of Football opened up a lot of opportunities for me in life.” said Williams "Growing up I had coaches who taught me life lessons and helped me grow as a player and as a man. I want to give back in that same way”
January David Douglas announced a new head Football coach job opening. Athletic Director Brad Joy sent out emails to potential coaches.
They went through the typical interviewing process, such as background checks, personality tests, skill assessments and screenings. Then they were interviewed by a committee consisting of David Douglas Principal, Vice Principal, and the Athletic Director.\
What Douglas seeks in a coach is if they’re both competent coaches, and an upstanding individual.
“We’re looking for a person to make a positive impact for our community.” said Joy.
David Douglas football as of recently has been underperforming. In their 2020 season they went 4-5, 2022, they went 0-9, 2023 they went 1-8, and this year they went 1-8. Players cited injuries, lack of cohesion among the players and coaches, poor attendance, slow practices, and lack of conditioning.
The players hoped that with this new coach they would do faster pace practices, more conditioning, emphasis attendance, and allow better player input within team discussion.
“We definitely need to get into the weight room a lot more.” said Junior Wide Receiver Liam Roberson “We really need to build on our strength, I’d like the new coach to really push us.”
“We really lack team coordination, and we need more gas in the tank.”said Junior Running Back/Linebacker Kalani Massad. “What’d I want for this new coach to put emphasis on teamwork and condition us more in practice.”
“I really like Coach Williams,” said Senior Defensive End Armani Hays. “He has good team coordination, he's a huge member in our community, I trust him being the head coach.” Being a senior, Hays would still support the Scots after graduation.
Williams looks into fulfilling the athletes needs as he wants to focus on getting the players into the weight room more and building on camaraderie for the offseason. But to also get the winning spirit right back into the players and competitiveness.
Though the season didn’t go how many envisioned it, the players still had plenty of fun. They said they want to still play football after High School, some earning scholarships because of it, and the memories and bonds they made at the post game hangouts.
“My favorite parts of the season were the prayer huddles and winning against Aloha,” said Hays.