Tomball ISD named Fort Bend Marshall head coach James Williams as the first ever head football coach at Tomball West High School on Friday.

Williams built Fort Bend Marshall into Houston's Class 5A program of record leading the Buffaloes to a pair of state title game appearances in 2018 and 2019. He posted a 148-49 overall record in 16 seasons at Marshall. he also led MHS to a regional final appearance in 2012, 2016, 2020 and 2022. The Buffs also made regional semifinal appearances in 2017 and 2024.

Williams is a two-time Houston Chronicle Coach of the Year and has served on the THSCA Board of Directors.

Prior to becoming the head coach at Marshall, Williams served as the defensive coordinator at Fort Bend Hightower and defensive coordinator at Manvel. Williams also worked at his alma mater at the University of Illinois where he spent time in the recruiting department and as a defensive graduate assistant. "I've always had an Interest in building a program from the ground up, I was part of it at Manvel and it's exciting to set a culture and build new traditions and brand something special is really appealing. I’ve been part of Fort Bend ISD for twenty years, there are a lot of great memories with great people, it’s bittersweet," said Williams.

Williams will look to build the Tomball West program from the ground up as TWHS will open this August and in 2027 will play an outlaw varsity schedule before joining a UIL district for varsity football in 2028. “Tomball is a great community, the district is about excellence in every way and I’m excited to be a part of the community and build the program at Tomball West," said Williams. 

The departure of James Williams makes the third job opening in Fort Bend ISD as Austin and Travis High are also currently open. FBISD recently hired a new executive director of athletics in Derick Roberson who comes to the district from Duncanville ISD.