Jets Legend Marcus Williams Finds New Calling as NDSU Coach

The undrafted cornerback carved out a successful NFL career before returning to his alma mater as a defensive assistant.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 5:00pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a defensive back in mid-air, the player's form broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of green, white, and navy blue, capturing the dynamic action of an interception.A cubist interpretation of a Jets defensive back making a game-changing play, reflecting the competitive spirit and playmaking ability that defined Marcus Williams' NFL career.Kansas City Today

Marcus Williams, an undrafted cornerback who spent four seasons with the New York Jets, is now back at his alma mater North Dakota State University as a defensive analyst and assistant defensive backs coach. After going undrafted out of NDSU, where he set a school record with 21 interceptions, Williams made the Jets roster in 2014 and started the final eight games of his rookie season. He went on to have a productive NFL career, collecting 10 career interceptions, before retiring and returning to NDSU to mentor the next generation of Bison players.

Why it matters

Williams' story is an inspiring one of perseverance and making the most of opportunities. As an undrafted free agent, he carved out a solid NFL career through hard work and a relentless competitive spirit. Now, he's using that experience to give back to his alma mater and help develop the next wave of NDSU defensive backs.

The details

After going undrafted out of NDSU, Williams spent time on the practice squads of the Texans and Jets before earning a spot on the Jets' active roster in 2014. He started the final eight games of that season and made an immediate impact, recording 8 tackles and 1 pass defensed in his first career start against the Chiefs. Later that year, he had 7 tackles, 3 pass breakups, and his first career interception against Tom Brady and the Patriots. Williams went on to play four seasons with the Jets, collecting 9 of his 10 career interceptions. He then spent time with the Texans, Buccaneers, and Bears before retiring. Last April, Williams returned to NDSU as a defensive analyst and is now the assistant defensive backs coach, eager to mentor the next generation of Bison players.

  • In 2014, Williams was promoted from the Jets' practice squad to the active roster in Week 8.
  • In 2015, Williams led the Jets with a career-high 6 interceptions despite making only 3 starts.
  • In April 2026, Williams returned to NDSU as a defensive analyst, and is now the assistant defensive backs coach.

The players

Marcus Williams

A former undrafted cornerback who spent four seasons with the New York Jets, setting a school record with 21 interceptions at North Dakota State University. He is now back at NDSU as a defensive analyst and assistant defensive backs coach.

Rex Ryan

The former head coach of the New York Jets who praised Williams' competitiveness and gave him an opportunity to earn a roster spot in 2014.

Todd Bowles

The former head coach of the New York Jets who saw Williams' playmaking ability and found a role for him on the team in 2015.

Darrelle Revis

The veteran cornerback who returned to the Jets in 2015 and became a starter, but Williams still managed to lead the team in interceptions that season.

Antonio Cromartie

The veteran cornerback who also returned to the Jets in 2015 and started alongside Revis, pushing Williams into more of a reserve role that season.

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What they’re saying

“I guess I did a pretty good job in training camp and the preseason where the Jets wanted to take a chance on me. Rex Ryan, he was big on how competitive I was. I know that was what he said when I first met him. 'We watched your film and loved just how competitive you were. Just want to see exactly what you have and what you can do for us.'”

— Marcus Williams, Former Jets Cornerback

“We weren't having the best season, especially at the corner position. I remember Coach Ryan said, 'We're going to have an open tryout. It don't matter if you're on practice squad or on the active roster, this is going to be an opportunity for whoever we think the best guy is. Our corner spots are basically available.'”

— Marcus Williams, Former Jets Cornerback

“Just growing up always watching the Patriots and Tom Brady, seeing guys like (Rob) Gronkowski, as well, it was just a big game. Obviously, just being with the New York Jets, that's always going to be a rival game for us. I tried not to look too much into who we were playing, instead, just focusing on the game. Trying to make it just as regular as possible.”

— Marcus Williams, Former Jets Cornerback

“Coach (Todd) Bowles was coming in (to replace Ryan), he obviously didn't even know who I was at the time, but he just continued to see me make plays throughout training camp. And he said, 'Marcus, I don't know where it's going to be, but we're going to find a spot for you.'”

— Marcus Williams, Former Jets Cornerback

“I've always wanted to be around the game of football. I feel like the game has given me so much, and now I want to make sure I can give that to these guys. Not only make them the best football player they can be, but also just help them be a better man, as well. I just want to make sure that I'm not only just a coach, but a mentor to these guys.”

— Marcus Williams, NDSU Assistant Defensive Backs Coach

What’s next

Williams will continue to work with the NDSU defensive backs, helping to develop the next generation of Bison standouts in the secondary.

The takeaway

Marcus Williams' journey from undrafted free agent to productive NFL cornerback and now assistant coach at his alma mater NDSU is an inspiring story of perseverance and a passion for giving back to the game. His competitive spirit, work ethic, and ability to mentor young players will serve him well as he transitions into coaching.