Mark W. Williams (May 31, 1925 – October 25, 2013) was a United States infantryman who fought in Belgium and Holland. He was wounded twice and spent time in London hospitals. In the occupation forces, he played football in a number of Germany's stadia. After a successful business career, he reentered sports to be an American football coach at the college level, and was later an associate professor of Business Administration at Carroll University.[1]

Mark W. Williams
Biographical details
Born(1925-05-31)May 31, 1925
West Hartford, Connecticut, U.S.
DiedOctober 25, 2013(2013-10-25) (aged 88)
Stone Mountain, Georgia, U.S.
Playing career
1945–1948Hobart
Position(s)End
Coaching career (HC unless noted)
1978–1981Carroll (WI)
Head coaching record
Overall12–24

Williams played college football at Hobart College in Geneva, New York. He also was able to complete two separate tryouts for the upstart "old" Baltimore Colts but did not make the professional team. He coached kids' football teams in Glen Ellyn, Illinois and eventually became a defensive line coach for the Joliet Chargers. Williams graduated from Hobart in 1949 and then went on to study sociology at New York University until 1951 and later completed a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin–Madison.[2]

College coaching career

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After leaving a successful career in business[3] Williams took a significant pay cut with a major change in personal lifestyle to become a collegiate head football coach, making nationwide headlines.[4]

Williams became the 25th head football coach at Carroll College (now called Carroll University)[5] in Waukesha, Wisconsin and he held that position for four seasons, from 1978 until 1981. His career coaching record at Carroll College was 12–24. This ranks him tenth at Carroll College in total wins and 20th at Carroll College in winning percentage.[6]

Death

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Williams died at his home on October 25, 2013.[7]

Head coaching record

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Year Team Overall Conference Standing Bowl/playoffs
Carroll Pioneers (College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin) (1978–1981)
1978 Carroll 6–3 5–3 T–3rd
1979 Carroll 2–7 2–6 7th
1980 Carroll 1–8 1–7 T–8th
1981 Carroll 3–6 3–5 T–4th
Carroll: 12–24 11–21
Total: 12–24

References

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  1. ^ Carroll University[permanent dead link] 2006-2007 Course Catalog
  2. ^ The Milwaukee Sentinel "Carroll's Williams Markets Football Now" by Jill Lieber August 19, 1978
  3. ^ NBC Evening News[permanent dead link] "From Business to Coaching" by David Brinkley, September 13. 1978
  4. ^ Los Angeles Times Archives "An Offer He Could Refuse--But Didn't" September 28, 1978
  5. ^ Daily Herald "Rookie Coach Finds Career Switch Easy" September 22, 1978
  6. ^ Carroll College/University Archived 2006-05-16 at the Wayback Machine Football coaching records
  7. ^ "Mark W. "Coach Mark" Williams Obituary (1925 - 2013) Milwaukee Journal Sentinel". Legacy.com.