The Hugh Freeze era is barely underway for the Auburn Tigers, but the new head coach has already made one popular decision.
Freeze reportedly met with Auburn players Monday evening, according to ESPN, with an official announcement of his hiring to come later.
While Freeze’s staff has yet to be determined, Auburn Live reports he’s retaining popular coach Carnell “Cadillac” Williams, who served as Auburn’s interim coach after the dismissal of Bryan Harsin.
Williams, a beloved former Auburn running back from 2001-2004 who played seven seasons in the NFL, went 2-2 as the interim coach. He also turned heads with an inspirational speech after the Tigers knocked off the Texas A&M Aggies earlier this month, telling everyone, “Who don’t want to come to Auburn? Auburn football going to be OK. It ain’t dead.”
.@CoachCaddy24's first win as the head coach of @AuburnFootball 👏
This is the AUBURN FAMILY 🐅 pic.twitter.com/UbAHWkliiS
— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) November 13, 2022
It’s uncertain what role Freeze has in mind for Williams, who has been Auburn’s running backs coach since 2019. However, he’s been a huge asset in recruiting. Auburn Live credited Williams with helping land running backs such as Tank Bigsby, Jarquez Hunter, Damari Alston, and Jeremiah Cobb, who is on the commit list for the Class of 2023.
Auburn fans were pleased to hear the news about Williams, even if a couple found a way to work in snide remarks about the controversial Freeze hiring, which raised eyebrows around the college football world.
“Cool. He’ll already be on staff to be interim coach again in 3.67 years,” tweeted one fan.
Cool. He'll already be on staff to be interim coach again in 3.67 years
— BoddaGettaBasketball (@BoddaGettaBball) November 28, 2022
And hopefully with a handsome raise and bump in title.
— George Ponder (@Coppertop004) November 28, 2022
Ain’t like Freeze got any guys worth anything to replace. His coaching tree is a sapling
— Austin Haisten 🦚 (@aus10hais10) November 28, 2022
https://twitter.com/The_Champ_I_am/status/1597348371937005569
Awesome!! I think they should make you the Assistant HC!!
— Bruce Stewart (@BruceSt18712624) November 28, 2022