Bucs' Doug Williams interviews for Southern coaching job

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Coordinator of Pro Scouting Doug Williams is unsure the team will retain him after his contract expires in February.

As a result, Williams interviewed for Southern University's vacant head coaching job over the weekend.

Williams said he informed Bucs General Manager Mark Dominik of his intentions to speak with university officials during Tampa Bay's trip to New Orleans. Williams said the university recently contacted him, and although the interview went well, contract negotiations have not begun.

"When you look at this thing, my contract is up in February," Williams said. "I can't afford (to wait) until February to make a decision on something. I'm sure Mark and the owners will get together after the season, but after the season will be the 11th hour for me.

"Most guys, their contracts are up in May. Mine is in February because I came here in February."

Williams was hired by Tampa Bay in 2004 after a successful coaching tenure at Grambling State. He compiled a 52-18 record in six seasons, leading the Tigers to three consecutive Southwestern Athletic Conference titles from 2000-2002, seasons in which his teams were named the National Black College Champions.

A former first-round pick of the Bucs in 1978, Williams returned to Tampa Bay hoping to move up in the NFL ranks and eventually become a general manager. Although Williams, Tampa Bay's starting quarterback from 1978-1982, has not given up on his front office dreams, he is willing to accept the reality of becoming a college football coach again.

"I've been here six years. It's been a good transition," Williams said. "The second time around for me, I don't want to say it's better because the first time around I was a player and enjoyed doing that. The way I left wasn't the greatest of all, but coming back six years ago was a pretty good feeling and the way I've been perceived from the community standpoint.

"I've done an awful lot. I think I've represented the Buccaneers well over the last six years. I've tried anyway. To get to this point, it's kind of bitter-sweet because you don't control it. That's the only hard thing."