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FRISCO, Texas — Quinnen Williams still talks with Mario Cristobal about once a month. Reaching Nick Saban during the fall is harder, the Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle said Wednesday.
Williams played at Alabama from 2016 to 2018, redshirting his first year, and won the Outland Trophy in 2018. The New York Jets drafted him third overall in 2019, and Dallas acquired him at the November 2025 trade deadline.
In Sunday’s 27-23 win over the Indianapolis Colts, Williams had seven tackles, three for loss, and forced a fumble in the red zone in the fourth quarter.
At his locker Wednesday, Williams credited the Alabama staff with shaping his work in the NFL.
“Oh, it’s been unbelievable, man,” Williams said. “Like Coach Saban, the coaches I had, Coach Cristobal. Karl Dunbar was one of my coaches. Bo Davis was one of my coaches, and the staff that we had at Bama, man, is unbelievable.”
“And kind of built the structure to the professional I am to this day, and the player I am, and the mindset I got to this day,” Williams continued. “And they kind of helped me with the leadership and things that Coach Saban taught me about leadership and how to go about my business, kind of use those same tactics throughout now.”
Quinnen Williams Still Talks With His Alabama Coaches
Williams named Saban, Mario Cristobal, Karl Dunbar, and Bo Davis among the Alabama coaches who shaped him. Saban retired from coaching after the 2023 season and has since worked as an analyst on ESPN’s College GameDay.
A follow-up went to how often he stays in touch during the season.
“I talk to Coach Cristobal probably every one time a month, and Bo at the Saints, so he just in the season and in the thick of it like me,” Williams explained. “And Coach Saban being a celebrity every Saturday, it’s hard to get to him. So, yeah, but I’m super thankful for all those guys.”
Brian Schottenheimer On Williams’ Work Habits
Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer said Wednesday that Williams has been a different leader since returning for the offseason program. Williams and defensive tackle Kenny Clark anchor the interior of a Dallas defense that held the Colts to 271 total yards.
“Talk about a guy that his entire life he’s been one of the best players every time he’s lined up to play,” Schottenheimer said. “But what makes him special is the type of man he is. I see it when he’s with his wife, his kids, but he brings a special voice in a good way. Doesn’t have to be loud, but the way he works.”
“I think you’ve really noticed in the last couple weeks the way he’s practiced,” Schottenheimer continued. “It’s been amazing, and it’s good for all the guys to see. You work like that, you play like that. It’s all part of the process.”
The Cowboys (4-5) host the San Francisco 49ers (7-1) on Sunday at AT&T Stadium. Kickoff is set for 3:25 p.m. CT on Fox.
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