Gregg Williams reinstated by NFL, joins Titans staff

Gregg Williams has been reinstated and will join the Titans' coaching staff after being suspended for orchestrating the Saints' bounty program. (Scott Halleran/Getty Images)

Gregg Williams has been reinstated by the NFL and will join the Titans as their defensive Senior Assistant, according to the Titans' official site. It was just under a year ago that Williams was suspended indefinitely for orchestrating the Saints' bounty program. In a statement, the NFL said:

"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.

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."

Williams began his career with the organization in 1990 (when they were the Houston Oilers) and served as the team's defensive coordinator for four years; in his final season, 2000, the Titans were first in the league in defense. Titans coach Mike Munchak said:

"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… 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."