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Former Steelers LB Vince Williams Hired as Coach at Pine-Richland

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Vince Williams

Former Steelers linebacker Vince Williams has found a new home in the football community, as Williams was announced as the new linebackers coach for Pine-Richland High School on Monday night by new head coach Jon LeDonne.

LeDonne is completing his coaching staff for the 2022 high school football season following his departure from being the head man at Penn Hills. 

Williams, 32, was a sixth-round pick by Pittsburgh in the 2013 NFL Draft. The Florida State product cut his teeth on special teams early on in his career before cracking the starting lineup at inside linebacker.

Williams played eight seasons in the NFL from 2013-20, all with the Steelers, totaling 479 tackles, 20.5 sacks, and two interceptions including one for a touchdown.

He started 69 of the 121 games he appeared in and was especially successful during the 2017 campaign. Williams started all 16 games and earned career highs in sacks (8) and solo tackles (69), and combined tackles (89). 

The Steelers released Williams in March 2021 following the 2020 season but re-signed the veteran linebacker one month later. Williams retired before the start of training camp and has not participated in football since.

The coaching role opens a new chapter in his football career at an accomplished WPIAL program that has recently been known for strong quarterback play. Williams will now look to assist in reaching a similar level of success for linebackers. 

Pine-Richland has had NFL connections in the past. Former Steelers guard Kraig Urbik was previously on the coaching staff with the Rams, under then-head coach Eric Kasperowicz. Kasperowicz was controversially ousted before the 2021 season and replaced by Steve Campos, who resigned this offseason, citing health concerns.

The Rams won two state titles under Kasperowicz, in 2017 and 2020 and four WPIAL titles. He was hired by Mars High School in April.