NASHVILLE — Gregg Williams stood near midfield at Nissan Stadium, the summer sun cutting across the empty seats as Tennessee State wrapped up a scrimmage. He tugged at his whistle, his eyes sweeping across the field he once called home during some of the most unforgettable moments in Tennessee Titans history.

Just stepping onto the turf, he said, brought a rush of memories.

"It made me smile just walking in here today," Williams said. "And I need to smile as much as I can in life. I've got great memories of living here — one of my favorite cities of the 10 NFL cities I've lived in. And there were some big-time games when I walked in here that we were in. I can't wait to be in some big-time games with these young men right here."

For Williams, the new defensive coordinator at Tennessee State, this season is more than just another job. It's a homecoming of sorts — a return to Music City, to the same stadium where he helped lead the Titans to a Super Bowl appearance during the famed 1999 season and the "Music City Miracle."

Williams spent a decade with the Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans franchise, carving out a reputation as one of the NFL's fiercest defensive minds. His units were physical, disciplined, and relentless — a reflection of his own fiery presence on the sideline. He later went on to become the head coach of the Buffalo Bills (2001–03) and interim head coach of the Cleveland Browns (2018), with stops at nearly a dozen NFL franchises, including this writer's favorite, the New York Jets.

But when he looks back on his career, Williams is quick to point to one name: Jeff Fisher.

"Jeff was one of the best guys I've ever worked with," Williams said. "We grew together. Those were some of the best years of my life."

Fisher and Williams spent more than a decade and a half together with the Oilers/Titans and again with the St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams, forging a partnership that helped define an era of football in Nashville.

Now, at 67, Williams isn't chasing the next NFL job. Instead, he's pouring his energy into teaching — and that, he says, is where he finds the most joy.

"The three happiest places I am in life…One, with my family. Two, inside the white lines — I'm a competitionaholic — and three, helping young men and young women be who they want to be," Williams said. "At this stage of my career, I only want to coach with people I like being around. Reggie [Barlow] is a big-time coach. I enjoy helping him grow too. So, this is a family moment, along with helping as many men and women as we can grow up in this profession."

Williams first crossed paths with TSU head coach Reggie Barlow and offensive coordinator Shannon Harris in the XFL and UFL, where they spent the past two seasons with the D.C. Defenders. When Barlow got the call to take over the Tigers, Williams didn't hesitate to follow.

It also helped that Tennessee State wasn't unfamiliar territory.

"In 1997, we practiced on Tennessee State's campus," Williams said. "And in 1998, we practiced in a bankrupt mall parking lot on the grass. We finally got here in 1999. I remember great things and some phenomenal players that came from this university during the times I've been in the league since 1989. I've always thought greatly about Eddie George [former TSU head coach] and his staff, too, because five of those guys have been on my staff. I think the world of them."

Williams sees his role at Tennessee State as both a teacher and a mentor, not just to players but also to young coaches eager to break into the profession. His passion for development has long been a part of his DNA, from his early days coaching high school football in Missouri to building NFL defenses.

"I love this stage of it," Williams said. "Because I get to help these guys chase their goals — whether that's the NFL, coaching, or whatever profession they choose. This place has always produced competitors."

Nashville itself has changed dramatically since Williams last lived here. The skyline is taller, the city busier, the football scene even more competitive. But for Williams, the city's spirit remains the same.

"You don't think the music industry isn't competitive? Or some of the billion-dollar companies here?" Williams said. "This place has a ton of competition in it. And those kinds of young men have prospered coming out of here. So, I want to help as many young men as we can here on this team — and young women in the different departments of this program — to grow and keep going, because that's Nashville."

Of course, returning to Nashville also means reconnecting with old haunts. Asked about his favorite places to eat, Williams' face softened as he recalled one in particular.

"Jimmy Buffett's [Margaritaville] place downtown," he said with a smile. "Jimmy was a very close friend of mine. He helped a lot with my foundation for children. I always loved going down there."

Inside Nissan Stadium, though, the pull is strongest. Williams says the rush of competition hasn't dulled, even after more than three decades of coaching at the highest levels.

"I love being inside the lines," Williams said. "That hasn't changed. To get another chance to do it here, in Music City, it's pretty special."

As the Tigers wrapped up their final scrimmage, Williams lingered on the turf at Nissan Stadium, whistle in hand, watching players jog to the sideline. For a man who once called the NFL's brightest stages home, the empty seats and echo of footsteps offered something just as meaningful — another chance to compete, another chance to teach, and another chapter in a city that still feels like home.