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Titans hire Gregg Williams

the sports xchange

Nearly a year after being suspended indefinitely for allegedly coordinating the New Orleans Saints' bounty system, Gregg Williams is returning to the NFL.

The Tennessee Titans named Williams as a Senior Assistant/Defense on Thursday, after his reinstatement by the league.

"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 team said in a statement. "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 returns to the organization where he began his NFL career and coached from 1990-2000, 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," Titans Head Coach Mike Munchak said in a 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 is the final person associated in the scandal to be reinstated by the league. New Orleans head coach Sean Payton had his suspension lifted on Jan. 22.

Williams coached the Saints from 2009-11 and was hired as defensive coordinator by the St. Louis Rams in January 2012 before being suspended. He was allowed to look for a new job in the league since the beginning of the playoffs.

The Titans finished 6-10 record in 2012, and fans weren't happy that Munchak retained Jerry Gray after Tennessee allowed a franchise worst 471 points.