“This happens to coaches all the time nowadays. Parents have become very unrealistic when it comes to their own child’s abilities,” Williams observed. “Coaches are blamed for players’ poor effort, for poor free-throw shooting, for being out of shape, and even for poor academics.

“We understand those things and roll with the punches,” he continued. “Unfortunately, nobody ever considers what a coach’s family must endure during those tough seasons when the wins are few. Nobody loves Mercer basketball more than me, with the exception of my son Isaac. What do those detractors think I should say to him? My wife (Leah Ann) and daughter (Madeline) have also been great supporters, as has my loyal coaching staff and family and friends.”

“Coaching basketball does not and never will define me as a person,” Williams emphasized. “I will continue to excel at my teaching job at West Middlesex, as well as at my other coaching positions as an assistant boys’ track coach with the region champion Big Reds, and continue to strive to make WMHS the best athletic program in Mercer County. We’ve had three team state finalists in my four years as the athletic director at West Middlesex, and the faculty, administration and athletic community seem to like the job that I’ve done thus far.”

At summer’s outset, Williams was conducting the Mustangs’ offseason program. However in the wake of his notification his position has been opened, he has stepped aside and admittedly does not know if anyone is working with Mercer’s cagers, and that’s precisely his point: Though it’s the middle of summer, time lost now could cost those kids when competition comes calling in December, January and February.

Reportedly, in spite of the disgruntled parents seeking to place the program “in a different direction,” there is a groundswell of support for Williams, so he is considering reapplying for the post.

“I’ve been involved in athletics for a long time, and it’s not about the parents, and it’s definitely not about the boosters,” Williams, referencing legendary John Wooden, said, while emphasizing, “it’s about the kids. ... It’s not always about X’s and O’s, but it’s about Jimmy’s and Joe’s. (Coaching’s) more about managing kids.”