Cadillac Williams says response from players, fans means everything to him
When Auburn fired Bryan Harsin, the school promoted Cadillac Williams to the role of head coach. A former star for the Tigers, Williams had been on staff as the running backs coach. He immediately breathed new life into the fans and team, reminding everyone how exciting things can be on The Plains.
It’s no secret that Cadillac Williams is a fan favorite at Auburn. It’s a response that Williams says means everything to him.
“It means everything,” Cadillac Williams said.
“You know, Auburn, I’m already forever indebted to it because they gave me the opportunity to accomplish my dreams in life, take care of my mom. I met my wife here. Brought up two boys. So, to think that Auburn can do more, you’re like, ‘Can’t do more.'”
Cadillac Williams was emotional while speaking. He brought up the Auburn family and what it has meant to him to have everyone’s support while he was the interim head coach.
“But, these last couple weeks, oh my. I mean, for me the Auburn family, the people, it’s the reason that two decades ago I chose Auburn, and one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, and these past four weeks have been special. Talking about absolutely special, the way that they supported. The support. The way they got behind this team.”
During his time as interim head coach, Cadillac Williams led Auburn to a 2-2 record. He made Auburn competitive where it hadn’t been. More importantly, he brought the Auburn community together.
“Auburn is in a better place because of these seniors and the Auburn family. The future is bright. Very bright.”
There was some interest in removing the interim tag from Cadillac Williams, making him the permanent head coach. However, Auburn’s administration chose not to do this, hiring Hugh Freeze instead. Williams is staying on staff, though, as running backs coach and associate head coach.
Cadillac Williams on achieving a dream
For Cadillac Williams, being a head coach seemed out of reach. He was the first Black head coach in the history of the Iron Bowl. When you think about it like that, the dream of being a head coach almost always seemed out of reach.
“Means a lot. Grew up always wanting to play this game. Dreamed about it. Visualized. Spoke it into existence. Been doing some research and this is Google now — if Google’s wrong, then talk to Google — Auburn-Alabama been playing since 1893. That’s Google. And I shared with my players last night, to be the first African-American to coach in this game. To be like, the head coach. It almost broke me down last night. And honestly, I didn’t really think much about it, to be honest with you. But, it definitely was special. Special because we, we don’t dream about being the head coach, to be honest with you,” Cadillac Williams explained.
“And you know, for people after me, before me, striving to do these things, a lot of things in life if you can see it, you can strive for it. You just gotta believe in yourself. Pretty cool. I’m very thankful and honored for that. Can’t nobody take that away from me. No matter what goes — nobody.”