Buzz Williams gives advice to Missouri journalism students

Currently the head coach of the nation’s No. 8 team, Buzz Williams’ job status at Texas A&M is more than secure.

But if the Aggies head coach ever finds himself looking for work, he may have a future in journalism.

As his postgame press conference came to a close following Texas A&M’s 67-64 victory over Missouri on Saturday, Williams made note of the University of Missouri’s School of Journalism, which is considered one of the most prestigious programs in the field. And the 52-year-old proceeded to offer the students in attendance some unsolicited advice, which could apply to not only their careers, but their lives.

“Here’s four things that I write all people, that I wish somebody would have told me,” Williams said.

Williams’ four pieces of advice:

1. “Read more than you think you should.”
2. “Write down everything, about everything, all the time.”
3. “Over the next 10 years, build as many relationships as you can, and learn to connect the dots between those relationships.”
4. “Never turn down an opportunity to learn, or to work.”

“Good luck,” Williams said as he exited the podium.

That was… perfect. No notes.

It’s unclear where Williams — who majored in kinesiology at Oklahoma City University and Texas A&M University-Kingsville — picked up this advice, but he’s clearly drawn to the media profession. During a halftime interview with CBS’ Tracy Wolfson in 2019, the then-Virginia Tech head coach memorably asked if he could sub in for Tony Romo in the network’s top NFL booth.

While the two-time SEC Coach of the Year might not currently have a journalistic outlet to deploy his advice, he’s clearly utilized it as an asset in becoming one of the best college basketball coaches in the country. Here’s to hoping that those students — and anyone else who’s seen Williams’ now-viral clip — find it just as useful.