Carnell “Cadillac” Williams, the running backs coach and associate head coach at Auburn, announced his departure from The Plains on Thursday night, after spending five seasons at his alma mater.
Williams released a statement on Thursday night saying, “I have decided to resign from my position with Auburn football in order to pursue other opportunities after taking time to pray and reflect.”
“Auburn, the players, and the AU family have my undying affection, but my wife, my sons, and I need to make this decision. I owe a huge debt of gratitude to Coaches Malzahn and Freeze for granting me the opportunity to coach. The last five years have been absolutely amazing here on the Plains.
Hugh Freeze, the Tigers’ first-year head coach, made it a point to not only keep Williams on staff but also promote him soon after he was hired. Williams leaves after just one season under his leadership.
To go along with Williams’ position as running backs coach, Freeze added the title of “associate head coach” when he arrived in late November 2022.
Regarding keeping Williams on staff, Freeze remarked, “I don’t know if I had to plead and beg, but I was planning to and just went after it.” “And it seems like they just said, ‘You’re invaluable.'” I need your insight. Tell me about the players, please. Tell me about the building, please. Please let me know.
Following the dismissal of former head coach Bryan Harsin, Williams oversaw the Auburn team as the Tigers’ interim head coach for four weeks. Freeze made the prompt decision to keep Williams on board in a more senior role.
Williams finished his interim tenure with a 2-2 record.
Even though it was the end of a disappointing season, Williams, an ex-Auburn player, led a passionate rebirth of the team during that time, giving Auburn supporters something to look forward to.
Freeze was also observing.In his opening press conference, Freeze stated, “I thought that what I saw was one of the most outstanding jobs of leadership that I’ve ever witnessed in college football.”
“Working in this field, I am aware of how difficult it can be to finish a season, even when you’re playing well and bowl eligible, much less when you’re playing with all of the vigor, passion, desire, excitement, and fun that I saw when I turned on the Auburn football games.” It seemed to me to be a clear reflection of Cadillac’s leadership style and the way he guided those young men as well as the staff. I think the work was excellent
.And because of that performance as well as Williams’ history with the Auburn program, Freeze was forced to take whatever necessary action to keep Williams on board.
Williams, a graduate of Etowah High School in Attalla, Alabama, committed to Auburn.
Williams was also a powerhouse in the Tigers’ backfield from 2001 to 2004, rushing for over 3,800 yards and 45 touchdowns, including a touchdown run that broke Bo Jackson’s program record for most rushing touchdowns with number forty-four.Williams played collegiate ball for Auburn before embarking on a six-year NFL career. Freeze saw right away that Williams was a valuable contributor to the Tigers, both on the field and in the locker room.
During Williams’ inaugural press conference, Freeze stated, “I think the word I would use is invaluable.” “I’m not sure if I can explain it in further detail.”
However, Williams has now lost that priceless treasure as he pursues new chances.And as the term “invaluable” implies, Freeze will have a difficult time finding a replacement for Cadillac Williams in Auburn’s football program.
Freeze released a statement on Thursday night that read, “We are immensely grateful of Carnell and what he’s done for the Auburn football program during his time on the coaching staff.” He is among the all-time greats of the program and guided Auburn through a period of change. I appreciate his decision and wish him nothing but the best, even though I know this wasn’t an easy one for him.
