Former Auburn defensive lineman named interim head coach at Williamson High School
Auburn fans should be familiar with Williamson High School and with former defensive end, Antonio Coleman. The former Auburn great has been working as the defensive coordinator at Williamson High School in Mobile, Ala. for the last six years. He will now take over as the interim Head Coach after having a big impact on the football program.
Coleman is taking over for his Alma Mater and continues to have talented players coming through his program.
Coleman made a major impact at Auburn
Before his ascension to head coach status, Coleman made his stamp as one of the great defensive linemen in Auburn history. In four years as a Tiger (2006-2009), Coleman compiled 150 total tackles, 46.5 tackles for loss, 24.5 sacks, a pick-6, and a scoop and score. As a senior in 2009, Coleman was first in the SEC in tackles for loss (16.5) and in sacks (10)
Arguably the most memorable play in Coleman’s career was his scoop and score in the 4th quarter against Kansas State in 2007. Auburn was in a close game in the opener against a talented Kansas State team. Quentin Groves strip-sacked QB Josh Freeman. Coleman picked up the fumble and ran it back for a touchdown, sealing the game for the Tigers.
Coleman would have stints with the New York Giants, Arizona Cardinals, and with the Buffalo Bills two separate times. He spent two years bouncing around franchises in the pros.
Williamson a significant school for Auburn recruiting
Williamson, the Alabama 5A football program, has been an important school for the Tigers. Roger McCreary, former All-American cornerback, had a prolific career at Auburn. He was an under-the-radar recruit from Williamson High School. Coleman helped get his name out there and on Auburn’s radar toward the end of his senior year.
Just recently, Auburn landed 4-star LB Robert Woodyard from the same school. He has been a significant part of Coleman’s defense the past few seasons. Woodyard, of course, flipped his commitment from Alabama to Auburn on signing day last December.
Auburn will continue to recruit the Mobile area heavily. The Tigers will now will have a great ambassador for the program taking over at a perennial recruiting stop.
