Nick Williams has brought noticeable energy to Florida State football since joining Mike Norvell’s staff, and the Seminoles’ new edges coach and pass rush specialist made it clear Tuesday that his enthusiasm comes from a deep appreciation for his profession.
When asked whether he carried the same energy during his playing career, Williams admitted he could not remember exactly what he was like as a player. What he does know is how much coaching means to him now.
“I don’t have a Plan B,” Williams said. “All I have is coaching. Without this, I have nothing. I love doing it.”
Williams is in his first season at Florida State after being hired Dec. 11, 2025. A native of Bainbridge, Georgia, he arrived in Tallahassee following coaching stops with the
Syracuse Orange, Colorado Buffaloes, Texas A&M Aggies, and Georgia Bulldogs. Most recently, Williams spent two seasons coaching Syracuse’s edge rushers.
His passion for the opportunity at Florida State extends beyond football. Williams said he and his wife had prayed for the chance to join the Seminoles, making the responsibility of representing FSU something he does not take lightly.
“Every day I’ve got to move while I’m at Florida State,” Williams said. “This is a heck of a logo to work for. My wife and I, I talked about it before. We’ve prayed for this opportunity.”
Williams’ coaching résumé also includes experience developing NFL talent. At Syracuse, he worked with Fadil Diggs, who earned All-ACC recognition before becoming a 2025 NFL Draft pick. Earlier in his career at Georgia, Williams worked around future first-round defensive linemen Travon Walker, Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis and Devonte Wyatt.
For Williams, however, the motivation behind his animated coaching style is considerably simpler.
“What am I going to do if I didn’t have this job, if I wasn’t coaching football?” Williams said. “That’s all I got.”
As Williams begins his first season working with Florida State’s edge rushers, that passion has quickly become a defining part of the presence he brings to the Seminoles’ practice field.
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This article originally appeared on FSU Wire: FSU's Nick Williams explains his passion for coaching
