Bert Williams, who was on UGA’s football staff from 1990-93 and is considered one of the nation’s top junior-college head coaches, revealed that he is fighting a rare form of cancer.

Williams, 50, was diagnosed last month with Mantle Cell Lymphoma, which is cancer of the white blood cells that help your body fight infection.

This week, Williams set up a CaringBridge website page for his friends and family to follow his treatment:

“About four weeks ago we got the unwelcome confirmation diagnosis of cancer – mantle cell lymphoma to be exact. This came after a month of various tests that were looking for what was causing a significant elevation in my white cell count and an enlarged spleen.

“We were referred to Emory Winship Cancer Institute in Atlanta for consultation and to make a decision on what direction we would go on treatment. Decisions made, final tests run in preparation, and we are kicking off 2020 with the start of chemo on January 2. The game plan is simple – fight like hell and whip this cancer’s butt!”

Williams is a native of Augusta, Ga., has coached at Georgia Military (GMC) junior college for 22 seasons, including the last 19 as head coach. He led GMC to its first-ever national championship in 2001.

Current UGA cornerback DJ Daniel played for Williams at GMC last year. The Milledgeville, Ga., school has sent a ton of players to UGA over the years, including Odell Thurman, Corvey Irvin, Vince Vance, Akeem Hebron and Jarius Wynn.

To follow Williams’ cancer treatments, please go here.