Carnell 'Cadillac' Williams opens up about 'bittersweet' last 48 hours as Auburn's interim head coach

Carnell Williams has been called many things over his football career, from “Cadillac” to one of the best running backs in Auburn history, but now he has a new moniker — the interim head football coach of the Tigers.

Speaking with the media during his first SEC Coaches Teleconference, Williams opened up regarding the firing of Bryan Harsin and replacing the man who gave him a chance he’s ever so thankful for.

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“Well, this has been a bittersweet 48 hours,” began Williams. “There are coaches on staff that lost their jobs on Monday, so it’s been tough and certainly not easy, but Lord knows I’m definitely appreciative of Coach Harsin and what he gave to Auburn the last two years. I’m truly, truly thankful for the opportunity he gave me to be a part of this staff. I’m just honored for this opportunity as someone who bleeds orange and blue, and this school has given me everything. I just truly, truly feel like the good Lord works in mysterious ways, and I’m in this seat for a reason.

“As far as — just kind of wanted to get that off my chest before I started — but as far as this team traveling down to play Mississippi State man, we’re excited. We’re definitely excited, and looking forward to playing them. Really good, physical, really good team.”

Indisputably, it’s a tough situation for Williams, as he elaborated on just how he found out Harsin was being let go, and the reaction of the player when he told them he was their interim coach.

“Honestly we actually found out probably around 11:30, then from there everything kind of hit the fan from there,” explained Williams. “Around 11:30 the coaches, the staff and I found out. … After it happened, I got word … informed me that I was going to be the interim. Like I said before, emotions were everywhere. Coach Harsin gave me the opportunity to stay on staff, to be a part of this thing. So it was a tough day for me, but had the opportunity to address the team and wow, I was just ecstatic. I’m honored again, to have this opportunity. Those players, they were excited.

“So we’re just taking it one day at a time. This is not ideal, but we’re definitely looking forward to the challenge.”

Now, the remainder of the season becomes an audition for Carnell Williams, both for Auburn and the rest of the college football world. If the Tigers match his intensity, love and passion for the program, he’ll make the program’s decision that much harder, and somebody will give Coach Cadillac the keys to their car.