For the second year in a row, Marquice Williams, special teams coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons, has been selected as a head coach for the East-West Shrine Bowl. Williams will lead the East team at this annual college football all-star game. Lunda Wells, tight ends coach for the Dallas Cowboys, will serve as head coach for the West team.
Joining Williams on staff is Falcons offensive assistant K.J. Black, who will be responsible for coaching quarterbacks on the East team.
The selection process involves nominations from NFL teams following the conclusion of the regular season. A panel including members from NFL Football Operations, East-West Shrine Bowl leadership, the NFL’s General Managers Advisory Committee and the Fritz Pollard Alliance reviews these nominations. To qualify, coaches must be active assistants “who display extraordinary teaching and communication skills and are recognized for their integrity and commitment to excellence in the coaching profession.”
Troy Vincent Sr., executive vice president of football operations for the NFL, said: “Coaches Marquice Williams and Lunda Wells have the opportunity to not only evaluate top athlete prospects, but also to showcase their skills in leading players and coaching staffs in this high-profile game. This is an important evaluation week for prospects as well as for coaches as they pursue their professional and personal goals. The game also shows the humanitarian side of football as participants greatly encourage the children and families at the Shriners Hospitals.”
Bob Roller, Vice President of Sports for Shriners Hospitals for Children said: “We are extremely excited to have two experienced and respected NFL coaches leading our East-West Shrine Bowl. Marquice Williams is a returning head coach for us, and we love his passion for our game and the mission of Shriners Children’s. Having Coach Lunda Wells from the Cowboys is great for our game to attract more fans and interest in the Dallas metroplex.”
The 101st East-West Shrine Bowl will take place at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 27 at Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas—the practice facility of the Dallas Cowboys. The event will be broadcast nationally on NFL Network.
Williams’ selection highlights ongoing recognition within professional football circles of talent developed by organizations like the Atlanta Falcons, who compete in the NFC South division since their start as an expansion team in 1965.
