William Nelson James (November 14, 1897 – September 15, 1969) was an American college football player and coach.
He served as the head football coach at Trinity University in San Antonio from 1949 to 1951, compiling a record of 15–14–3.
After graduating from North Side High School in Fort Worth, Texas, he went to Centre College with former coach Robert L. Myers joining up with the likes of high school teammates Matty Bell, Bob Mathias, and Sully Montgomery.
The 1917 team ostensibly did so well that Myers felt his players were better than his coaching abilities, and hired Charley Moran.
James died on September 15, 1969, at Sid Peterson Memorial Hospital in Kerrville, Texas, following an illness.