San Francisco AD, former NFL player Larry Williams dies

Field Level Media|published: Fri 17th October, 12:08 2025

The San Francisco Dons huddle on the floor before a game. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-Imagn Images

University of San Francisco athletic director and former NFL player Larry Williams died on Thursday. He was 62.

Williams, who had guided the Dons' athletic department since 2022, died during a workout at a campus gym.

"Our prayers go out to Larry's wife, Laura, their children, Kristin, Sean, Scott, Eric, and Louis, their families, and his grandchildren," university president Salvador Aceves wrote in a letter to the USF community. "My thoughts and prayers also go to the university's 250 student-athletes and all of the coaches and staff under Larry's skillful watch."

A two-time All-American offensive lineman at Notre Dame, Williams was a 10th-round draft pick of the Cleveland Browns in 1985.

He played in 61 NFL games (44 starts) with the Browns (1986-88), New Orleans Saints (1991) and New England Patriots (1992).

Williams served as the athletic director at the University of Portland (2004-11), Marquette (2012-13) and Akron (2015-21) before taking over at San Francisco.

Deputy athletic director Stephanie Shrieve-Hawkins was named the interim AD.

--Field Level Media

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