Hunter McWilliams joined SMU in March of 2019 as an offensive analyst working with the running backs. The Mustangs set season records in scoring (544), scoring average (41.8), total yards (6,368), total yards per game (489.8), total plays (1,037), rushing TDS (35), total first downs (322) and total TDs (73), while tying the passing TDs record (35).
In 2019, McWilliams assisted coach Chris Brasfield in mentoring Doak Walker semifinalist and all-conference selection Xavier Jones to top FBS statistical honors for points per game (11.5) and rushing touchdowns (23). Jones was also second nationally in total TDs with 25 and third nationally in total points scored with 150. His rushing yards (1,276) and rushing yards per game (98.2) were also in the FBS top 25. Jones’ season points, rushing TDs and total TDs were all SMU records. Jones went on to sign an undrafted free agent deal with the LA Rams in 2020.
Prior to joining the Mustangs, McWilliams spent four seasons coaching at Navarro College in Corsicana, Texas. While coaching the receivers for head coach Cody Crill and offensive coordinator Scott Parr (2015-2017), the Bulldogs’ offense averaged 315 yards passing, nearly 200 yards rushing and over 40 points per game. In 2018, McWilliams was elevated to offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach under head coach Jim Gush. The offense continued to shine, as the 2018 Bulldogs were top five nationally in total offense, passing yards per game, 1st downs, and 3rd down conversion percentage (48%). Under the guidance of McWilliams, quarterback Parker McNeil was named first-team All-American and Conference Player of the year, while leading the Bulldogs to the SWJC playoffs and a trip to the Salt City Bowl in Hutchinson, Kansas.
He spent the 2013 and 2014 seasons at The University of California-Berkeley, where he served as offensive quality control coach under Sonny Dykes and offensive coordinator Tony Franklin. While in Berkeley, the Bears set numerous offensive records behind the arm of quarterback Jared Goff, the 1st overall pick in the 2016 NFL draft.Â
Prior to his stint at Cal, McWilliams worked as a graduate assistant under Dykes for three seasons at Louisiana Tech, working with the wide receivers and special teams. The Bulldogs led the nation in most offensive categories in 2012, finishing the season at 9-3. Punter Ryan Allen was a two-time winner of the Ray Guy Award, given annually to the top collegiate punter in the country.
McWilliams was a two-year starter at long snapper for Coach Mack Brown at The University of Texas (1999-2000). He converted 100 percent of his snaps and lettered both seasons as a walk-on, as the Longhorns competed in the Big 12 Championship game, Cotton Bowl, and Holiday Bowl during his time in Austin.
He is the son of David McWilliams, a former Texas high school coach who went on to become head coach at the University of Texas and Texas Tech University.
Â
A former Crestival and Bullard Cup Champion, McWilliams received his bachelor’s degree in government from The University of Texas.Â
He married the former Catherine Wagner in 2011. The couple has four daughters: Bessie, born in 2015, twins Callie and Suzie, born in 2017, and Ginnie, born in 2020.
Â
