Tom Williams resigned as Yale's football coach after the university investigated whether he lied about being a candidate for a Rhodes Scholarship.

Williams, the coach of the Bulldogs for the past three seasons, referred to himself as a Rhodes candidate on his resume.

He spoke about his alleged experience as a finalist and advised Patrick Witt when the Yale quarterback became a finalist for the scholarship this year.

Witt decided pass on the opportunity in order to play against Harvard in his final game.

"I am extremely proud of my academic, athletic and coaching career," Williams said in a statement. "If there was confusion created, I take full responsibility. The timing of this inquiry has been difficult for everyone. At this point I believe it is in the best interest of my student-athletes and Yale University that I step down."

Williams said he was encouraged to apply for the scholarship by Stanford's fellowship office but acknowledged he never did.

"I wish to clear the record," Williams said. "On the Rhodes Scholarship issue, I was encouraged to apply by the Stanford Fellowship office, which identified me 'as the kind of student who demonstrates the intellect, energy and commitment that the Rhodes selection committees seek in their applicants.' I considered the opportunity, sought advice and was encouraged to apply by faculty members and my coach Bill Walsh, but I did not apply."

Williams previously said he turned down the opportunity to interview because he instead attended an NFL tryout.

"During the spring of my senior year, I was given an opportunity to attend a try-out camp with the San Francisco 49ers, and I participated in that three-day event. I did not sign a free agent contract with the 49ers or participate in their summer training camp for signed players."

Williams was 16-14 at Yale in his three seasons at the school. The Bulldogs lost all three games against rival Harvard.