National Football Foundation

David McWilliams has spent six decades around the game of football, reaching the heights of success at virtually every level. Born and raised in Cleburne, Texas, McWilliams began his football career at Cleburne High School, playing on a state championship team before moving on to the University of Texas as a center and defensive tackle. During his career in Austin, McWilliams led the Longhorns to three Southwest Conference championships, and he was a tri-captain on the 1963 national championship team. McWilliams helped Texas and Hall of Fame coach Darrell Royal finish with a top-four national ranking from 1961-63. McWilliams graduated in 1964 with honors and a degree in mathematics.
 
After graduation, McWilliams served two years as an assistant coach at Abilene High School (Texas), and in 1966, he became the state’s youngest head coach. After four years, Royal asked him to join the staff at Texas. Following a 16-year stint as an assistant, McWilliams landed the head job at Texas Tech in 1986. One year later, he returned to Austin, heading the Longhorn program from 1987-91. After four years, McWilliams retired, joining the athletics department as associate athletics director for development.
 
The NFF Greater Austin Chapter was founded by then-Texas head coach John Mackovic in 1992, and McWilliams has been the driving force ever since. Each year, the chapter honors 46 outstanding high school student-athletes, and to date has recognized 724 standouts and presented nearly $400,000 in scholarships. “I was excited about coach Mackovic starting an NFF chapter in Austin,” said McWilliams. “I knew the NFF’s core purpose is ‘to strengthen, encourage and enhance amateur football in our nation’s youth while also recognizing their academic achievement and providing scholarship aid to as many young men as each chapter is able.’”
 
McWilliams currently serves as an associate athletics director and oversees the T-Association for former Texas lettermen. He and his wife Cindy reside in Austin and have four children and three grandchildren.