Cadillac Williams Auburn Tigers interim head coach Carnell “Cadillac” Williams celebrates after the game as Auburn Tigers take on Texas A&M Aggies at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022. Auburn Tigers defeated Texas A&M Aggies 13-10.

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.”

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.

[Auburn Live]

About Arthur Weinstein

Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.