Bio

RICHMOND, Ind. - Jeff Williams, who served as an assistant coach for the Indiana University East women's golf program the past two-plus seasons, was named the head coach for the IU East men's golf program in March of 2021.

"Jeff is a team player and will just add to an already great athletic coaching department," said IU East Director of Athletics Joe Griffin. "Jeff has been a big help with our women's program and has also helped some with our men's program, so this is a smooth transition for us and the team."

Said Williams: "In life, opportunities spring up when you least expect it sometimes. With (former coach John Gordon) getting an opportunity (at a local golf club) that was an excellent opportunity for him, it provided me with a chance to do what I've done all my life, which is work with kids, either in the classroom or on the playing field."

VIDEO: Jeff Williams interview on "Inside IU East Sports"

Williams contributed to the steady rise of the IU East women's golf program in recent years. The Red Wolves women's golf program recently received votes in the NAIA national rankings for the first time.

"Without these past two-and-a-half years working with the IU East women's golf program, in no way would I have been prepared to take this role on now," Williams said. "I thank Johnny and Billy (Mullin, the IU East women's golf head coach) for putting me in a position to have a good program to take over and keep moving forward. Now that I'm seeing things from the inside, I can see the men's golf program is healthy and growing. Johnny left the program in excellent shape," Williams said. "My analogy is, he is handing me the keys, and I'm going to try to keep it on course."

Prior to joining the IU East coaching staff, Williams taught business at Richmond High School for three decades. He was part of the basketball and baseball coaching staffs at RHS. He was an assistant coach for Richmond's 1992 Indiana state champion boys basketball team.

Williams estimates he spent as many hours on the golf course as on the basketball floor over the past 30 years. He is a regular in the Richmond city tournament and other events in east central Indiana.

"The city of Richmond has a deep history of golf success," Williams said. "I hope we can become part of the community and provide some more golf history for this community."

Williams' message to future Red Wolves:

"As I've gotten to know IU East and the campus, I truly believe IU East is a hidden gem when it comes to a college education. When recruits and parents come and visit, they are generally surprised and impressed to discover how much we have to offer in terms of the quality of the grounds and buildings and the quality of the professors and coaches. I am excited to be a part of that."

Williams has been married to Robin, who teaches at Blue River Valley, for almost 30 years. His sons are Nicholas and Evan, the latter a recent member of the IU East men's golf program.

Williams was a standout basketball player at Logansport High School and then played four seasons at Ball State University. He was part of the Cardinals' 1981 team that qualified for the NCAA tournament.