On Tuesday, the Power ended eight months of intense speculation by expressing a desire to keep Williams at the helm beyond this season.
Williams had been the subject of a review conducted by a panel of his peers, including Chief Executive Officer Mark Haysman and board members Bruce Abernethy and Darryl Wakelin.
President Brett Duncanson said the decision to offer Williams a two-year contract extension had been unanimous.
“The core purpose of the review was to determine who is the coach that is going to take us to our next premiership and it kept coming back to Mark,” Duncanson said on Tuesday.
“At the end of 2006, the club sat down and put in place a five-year plan. We’re currently halfway through that plan and Mark has earned the right and deserves the opportunity to see that plan through.”
Williams, who is expected to take a pay-cut to stay at the club, said he had to prove himself to the club’s new management team.
“It’s been pretty tough to be under the microscope for that period of time. The club, wanted to find out if I was the person portrayed in the media and you have to tread a little carefully,” Williams said.
“I’m respectful of the idea that the club had to go through a fair process because not too many people stay at a club for this long. I’m really honoured to think the club is willing to see this next period through where we’ve got some exciting young players coming through.
“We really think we can develop into a top-four and premiership side.”
Williams received total support from the players throughout the lengthy review process. He also called upon former Adelaide 36ers coach, neighbour and good friend Phil Smyth for advice.
Williams conceded he’d harboured “a lot of doubt” about his future at the club over the past few months.
“I really didn’t know what I was doing. My wife Pauline was checking out what was happening in Victoria because she comes from there and my personal assistant Brooke was interested in might be happening because she’s been with me for 10 years now,” Williams said.
“We’ve all danced around the issue in terms of the effect [my contract negotiations have had], but there has definitely been an effect on the playing group.
“Everyone is sick to death of reading about me and seeing my photo on the back page of the paper…I’m not sure what you’re going to put on there now.”
Williams’ marketability and popularity among supporters was another issue raised during the process.
The former Collingwood captain has made a point of improving his relationship with the local media over the past six months.
Duncanson said Williams had come a long way over the journey.
“We’ve noticed in the past week—not just because of the sign out the front of the club—but there has been overwhelming support from our supporters for the continuation of Mark as our senior coach,” he said.
“What you do get from Mark is enormous passion for this footy club. Everything he does and every statement he makes is in the best interest of this footy club.”
