Following the news of Hugh Freeze being named Auburn’s next head football coach, many pondered interim coach Carnell “Cadillac” Williams’ future with the program. Freeze and Auburn quickly announced that Williams would remain with the program as associate head coach.

In a statement released by Williams, he stated, “It has always been my desire to remain at Auburn. Last night, I was able to meet with Coach Freeze where shared his core values and vision for the football program and young men he will be coaching. He is a man of faith and we share many of the same values when it comes to coaching. I am excited about his vision and plan for getting Auburn back to its winning ways, including winning championships!.”

“Coach Freeze asked me to stay on and join his staff as Associate Head Coach,” he continued. “I accepted the position and am excited about working with him and learning from him. I ask that the Auburn Family join me in supporting Coach Freeze and getting Auburn football back on the winning track!”

Williams took over after embattled former coach Bryan Harsin was let go in October. The Auburn program and fanbase responded in overwhelmingly positive fashion to the energetic former Tiger great.

The Gadsden native was an All-American running back for Auburn that went on to be drafted as the fifth overall pick in 2005. Following his NFL career, Williams has been a running backs coach at various stops at the high school, college and semi-pro levels.

As the interim head coach, Williams served as a spark plug to a program that had been embroiled in turmoil. He led Auburn to a 2-2 record after Harsin that included an overtime loss to Mississippi State and two emotional wins against Texas A&M and Western Kentucky.

Heading into the Iron Bowl, Auburn had a chance to reach bowl eligibility with a win, but Alabama dashed those plans for the Tigers.

Ben Richardson is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News