While at the University of Texas, he coached under Darrell Royal for 12 years. During that time, Texas won 7 conference championships and 2 National Championships. He was known for producing many offensive lines in the 'Wishbone' attack. For a period of 5 years at least one offensive lineman was named to All American teams and numerous players named to All SWC teams. Willie had two sons (Bill and Jeff) that played football at the University of Texas.