Carnell 'Cadillac' Williams releases heartfelt message after accepting new role on Tigers coaching staff
After news broke on Tuesday that former interim head coach Cadillac Williams will not only remain at Auburn on Hugh Freeze’s staff but accept a promotion to associate head coach, the former Tigers running back shared a heartfelt message on Twitter.
“Auburn Family it’s time to SERVE & BELIEVE!!!,” Williams tweeted with his statement.
“It has always been my desire to remain at Auburn,” he shared. “Last night, I was able to meet with Coach Freeze where he shared his core values and vision for the football program and young men he will be coaching…. I am excited about his vision and plan for getting Auburn back to its winning ways, including winning championships! … I accepted the position and am excited about working with him and learning from him.”
On top of giving thanks to his supporters, Williams also requested that same support for Freeze as he begins the program turnaround.
“I ask that the Auburn family join me in supporting Coach Freeze and getting Auburn football back on the winning track,” Williams added.
Taking over associate head coaching duties is a promotion for the former running back who served as RBs coach under Gus Malzahn and Bryan Harsin. As interim head coach, Williams led the Tigers to a 2-2 finish.
On Monday night, Williams reached out to Freeze through Twitter. There, he sent a message to the new Auburn head coach which hinted that he would be staying with the program.
“Let’s get to work, @CoachHughFreeze… Excited for the future on the Plains!!! #AuburnFamily#WarEagle,” Cadillac Williams tweeted.
In his tweet, he also posted a photo of himself meeting with Hugh Freeze. The photo was further evidence of the duo teaming up.
Freeze sends message to Auburn fans, thanks Williams
Prior to finding success at Liberty, Hugh Freeze spent five seasons as the head of Ole Miss before leaving the program amid multiple recruiting and academic violations.
Despite his difficult exit, a win over Nick Saban and Alabama while at Ole Miss — as well as a 34-15 record at Liberty since leaving the Rebels — has shown a glimpse of what he could do at Auburn.
Freeze also provided an official statement as part of the university’s reveal. He praised Cadillac Williams for the job he did as interim coach for the program.
“First, I want to acknowledge Cadillac Williams for the incredible job he did as interim head coach,” said Freeze as part of the official announcement. “The impact he made is immeasurable and cannot be overstated.
“Secondly, Auburn is one of the preeminent programs in college football and I’m very appreciative of President Roberts and John Cohen for this opportunity at Auburn. I’ve been fortunate to witness first-hand how special Auburn is during my time as a head coach in the SEC and while visiting my daughter Jordan who attended Auburn and currently lives in the community. I can’t wait to work with our student-athletes and the Auburn family to bring championships back to the Plains.”
Since his hiring, contract details have emerged. He is getting a six-year deal worth $39 million. It is roughly $6.5 million annually, which puts him eighth in the SEC in terms of salary.