Diamondbacks name Matt Williams third base coach

Former Washington Nationals manager Matt Williams has accepted a position as third base coach with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The Diamondbacks offered Williams the gig last week, and made a formal announcement Thursday.

"Matt Williams has been a baseball lifer and brings with him knowledge, intensity, and a passion for the game," senior vice president and general manager Dave Stewart said about the hire. "Those attributes are key for the makeup of our coaching staff and team. He has the reputation of being a teacher and hard worker, and we are happy to have him back with the organization."

Williams played for the organization from 1998-2003, and also served as a first and third base coach for the club from 2010-13.

The 49-year-old was fired following a disappointing season with the Nationals. He earned National League Manager of the Year honors in 2014, his first campaign in Washington as the skipper.