Oklahoma is expected to add a familiar face to its football staff, bringing in former Clemson and NFL defensive tackle DeShawn Williams in an analyst role.
Williams, who recently retired from the NFL, brings a wealth of experience from both the college and professional ranks. He played at Clemson from 2011 to 2014, carving out a reputation as a steady, disruptive presence on the Tigers' defensive front. By the time he wrapped up his college career, Williams had tied for fourth in Clemson history in games played-a testament to his durability and consistency in the trenches.
His senior season was particularly productive: 54 tackles, eight tackles for loss, three sacks, seven quarterback pressures, and a pass breakup. Those numbers don’t just pop on a stat sheet-they speak to a player who understood leverage, technique, and how to impact a game even when he wasn’t filling up the highlight reel.
And he did it under the watchful eye of Brent Venables, who was Clemson’s defensive coordinator during Williams’ time there. That connection now comes full circle in Norman.
After college, Williams took the long road in the NFL-earning every snap he got. He played six seasons in the league, most notably as a three-year starter with the Denver Broncos.
Across his pro career, he totaled 164 tackles, showing he could hold his own against the best offensive lines in the game. His last NFL action came in 2024 before announcing his retirement.
Now, Williams steps into a new chapter, one where his on-field experience can translate into off-field impact. As an analyst, he’ll be tasked with breaking down film, helping shape game plans, and mentoring young defensive linemen-many of whom will benefit from the same hard-earned wisdom he picked up through a decade of high-level football.
For Brent Venables and the Sooners, this move adds another layer of insight to a defensive staff already rich with experience. Williams knows what it takes to succeed at the collegiate level and beyond, and he knows Venables’ system inside and out. That kind of alignment doesn’t just help in the film room-it helps on Saturdays when the game’s on the line.
It’s not every day you get to bring in someone who’s played the game at its highest level and understands your culture from the inside. That’s exactly what Oklahoma is doing with DeShawn Williams.