ELGIN, IL (July 7, 2025) — Judson University announces a transition in leadership for its men's basketball program. After eight years of dedicated service, Head Coach Bruce Fields is stepping down. Judson's current Athletic Director, Rick Williams, will assume the role of Head Coach effective immediately.

Coach Fields leaves behind a legacy defined by integrity, spiritual leadership, and a deep investment in the lives of his players. Over five full seasons, Fields guided the Eagles to 44 wins, highlighted by a 15-17 record during his second year. He mentored multiple all-conference athletes during his time at Judson. His leadership extended beyond the court, establishing a weekly Bible study that continues to spiritually enrich Judson's coaching staff.

"I am so grateful for the relationships built at Judson over the last 7 years and I will always treasure them." says Fields. "I want to thank Coach Rick for his mentorship and encouragement; it's changed my trajectory. I'm so proud of our players and can't wait to see what they accomplish. It's an honor to continue to coach the sport I love at the next level and in the town I grew up in; Thank you!"

"We are deeply grateful to Coach Bruce for his eight years of tireless service to the Judson University men's basketball program," said Rick Williams. "From his early days as an assistant to his time as head coach, Bruce poured himself into our athletes—building strong relationships, modeling integrity, and working the sidelines with the grace and discipline of a true gentleman. His leadership reflected a steady commitment to excellence and a deep faith in God that shaped not only how he coached, but how he lived. He leaves behind a legacy of character, compassion, and Christ-centered service."

Rick Williams, a 2002 Judson graduate and 2016 Athletic Hall of Fame inductee, will now lead the Eagles from the bench. A member of Judson's 1,000-point club with 1,474 career points, Williams ranks 10th in scoring, 9th in field goals made (573), and 5th in all-time games played (122). He has served as Judson's Athletic Director since 2022 and as an assistant coach for men's basketball over the past three seasons.

"I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to lead Judson Men's Basketball—a program that has shaped so much of who I am," Williams said. "For over 25 years, I've been blessed to serve as a player, an honored alumnus, and for the past three years, as both Athletic Director and assistant coach. Judson Basketball laid the foundation for me to live a Christ-centered life, lead my family with purpose, and serve my community with confidence. That legacy is what drives me now. I have an unrivaled love for this program, and I'm committed to building a culture that produces Christ-following, confident contributors who impact communities far beyond the court."

Judson University wishes Coach Fields continued success in his next chapter and looks forward with anticipation to a new era of Eagle basketball under Coach Williams' leadership.