University of San Francisco athletic director Larry Williams died Thursday morning while working out at the school’s War Memorial Gym, the university announced.
Williams, 62, took over the Dons’ athletic department in August 2022.
“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 D. Aceves said in an open 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.”
The Orange native and Mater Dei alumnus played eight NFL seasons as an offensive guard for the Cleveland Browns, San Diego Chargers, New Orleans Saints and New England Patriots. He was selected in the 10th round of the 1985 draft by the Browns out of Notre Dame, where he was a two-time second-team All-American.
Williams later earned a law degree from the University of San Diego, then worked in the Notre Dame athletic department for more than a decade.
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He was named the athletic director at the University of Portland in 2004, then was in the same role at Marquette from 2011 to 2013 and Akron from 2015 to 2021.
Stephanie Shrieve-Hawkins, the deputy athletics director for administration and facilities, will serve as USF’s interim AD.
Williams succeeded Joan McDermott in the role after she resigned amid lawsuits targeting the baseball and women’s basketball programs, as well as a Sports Illustrated report about sexual harassment or abuse by soccer players.
