The Denver Broncos have hired Greg Williams to become their new defensive back specializing in cornerbacks.
Williams will assist Marcus Robertson, who will return for his second season as the Broncos' head defensive backs coach. Joe Woods remains the Broncos' defensive coordinator for a second season. 9News was the first to report of Williams' hire that the Broncos later confirmed in a press release.
The Broncos also put out word they are hiring Zach Azzanni as their receivers coach.
Williams was the Indianapolis Colts’ defensive backs the past two years. Some of his best work could be seen in Rashaan Mathis, who has improved from journeyman to one of the top five cornerbacks available in the free-agent market this March.
Prior to Williams’ time with the Colts, he spent seven seasons with the San Diego Chargers as an assistant linebackers and assistant secondary coach.
He played some receiver and kickoff returner before becoming a two-year starting defensive back for North Carolina and coach Mack Brown from 1994-97. Williams went to training camp with the Bears and Giants before playing in NFL Europe, the XFL and Arena League.
He got his coaching start as an intern with Arizona State, an assistant at the College of DuPage, then as a defensive backs coach at Arkansas Tech and Pitt before breaking into the NFL with the Chargers in 2009.
With the Broncos, Williams will replace Johnnie Lynn as Robertson's assistant.
Azzanni worked last season with Chicago Bears' head coach John Fox. Azzanni has an extensive college backing background, including a year with Urban Meyer at Bowling Green.
Since the Broncos’ season ended on December 31, head coach Vance Joseph has tweaked his coaching staff not only in personnel but with their responsibilities.
For instance, to replace Jeff Davidson as offensive line coach, Joseph hired Sean Kugler as offensive line/guards and center coach, and promoted former offensive line assistant Chris Strausser to offensive line/tackles coach.
On defense, Joseph will replace outside linebackers coach Fred Pagac with a “pass-rush” coach. Reggie Herring, who coached Broncos’ inside linebackers the past three years, will now oversee both inside and outside linebackers.
The new pass-rush coach, which has not yet been determined, will bounce between the meeting rooms of coach Bill Kollar’s defensive linemen and Herring’s linebackers.
An updated look at Joseph’s new coaching assistants:
Position ……………...… Former coach … New coach
Special teams ………… Brock Olivo …..… Tom McMahon
Offensive line ….…...… Jeff Davidson …... Sean Kugler/Chris Strausser
Quarterbacks ……....… Klint Kubiak* ….... Mike Sullivan
Running backs ……..… Eric Studesville … Curtis Modkins
Receiver ……………… Tyke Tolbert ......… Zach Azzanni
DB/Cornerback …….... Johnnie Lynn ...… Greg Williams
Outside linebacker ..… Fred Pagac ......… To be determined
Asst to head coach .… Phil Rauscher ..… To be determined
*Kubiak is remaining with Joseph’s coaching staff in another capacity.
