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Sports

Gregg Williams reinstated, joins Titans' staff

By Sports Network
Published | Updated

Nashville, TN – The NFL has reinstated coach Gregg Williams, who had been suspended indefinitely last spring for his central role in the New Orleans Saints' bounty scandal.

Following the reinstatement, Williams was officially named a defensive senior assistant for the Tennessee Titans.

"Commissioner Roger Goodell today notified Gregg Williams and the Tennessee Titans that Williams' contract with the Titans has been approved and that he has been reinstated," an NFL statement released through the Titans said. "The commissioner cited several reasons for the reinstatement, including Williams' forthcoming acknowledgement of and acceptance of responsibility for his role in the bounty program at the Saints, his commitment to never again be involved in a pay-for-performance or bounty system, and his pledge to teach safe play and respect for the rules at all levels of the game. The commissioner emphasized that Williams must fully conform to league rules and will be subject to periodic monitoring to confirm his compliance."

Williams was the defensive coordinator for the Saints from 2009-11, when the NFL said the bounty program existed.

According to the NFL investigation, Saints players regularly contributed money into a pool and received cash payments based on their performance. Payments were made for plays such as interceptions and fumble recoveries, but also included compensation for injury-inducing plays -- including "knockouts" and "cart-offs."

It was also widely reported that Williams had similar systems in place when he was head coach in Buffalo from 2001-03 and during a stint as defensive coordinator with Washington from 2004-07.

Williams started his NFL coaching career with the Titans in 1990 and spent 11 seasons with Tennessee, including four years as the defensive coordinator.

"I have known Gregg for over two decades and have seen him work his way up from a quality control coach to a head coach," said Titans head coach Mike Munchak in Thursday's statement. "He will bring a great deal of defensive knowledge and energy to our staff. The decision to bring him here only came after going through a thoughtful and thorough process."

Williams left the Titans to become the head coach in Buffalo and had a record of 17-31 in three seasons with the Bills. After four years as defensive coordinator with the Redskins, Williams spent one year in the same role with Jacksonville before joining the Saints in 2009. He was set to become the Rams' defensive coordinator for 2012 before the suspension.