One of the best to wear the orange and blue is returning to The Plains.
Carnell "Cadillac" Williams, who holds the record for most rushing touchdowns in Auburn program history, has been hired as the Tigers' new running backs coach, Auburn announced Wednesday afternoon.
“I’m ecstatic, super excited and humbled to have the opportunity to return home to Auburn and coach at a place that helped me become the man I am today,” Williams said. “I’m very grateful and appreciative of Coach Malzahn, the staff and the Auburn administration for this opportunity. Words can’t explain the emotions I had when I received the offer from Coach Malzahn."
Prior to agreeing to coach running backs for the Alliance of American Football's Birmingham Iron this past fall, Williams spent two years at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, coaching the same position.
“One of the main reasons I got into coaching was to give back and serve others," Williams said. "I want to help players reach their ultimate goal and steer them the right way on and off the field. I’m not sure there’s a better place I can do that than at Auburn, where I’m forever indebted. I’m excited to get to work. I can’t wait to meet the players and staff, get involved in the community and help get Auburn to the championship level year in and year out that we know we are capable of.”
A four-year player for the Tigers from 2001-04, Williams compiled 3831 rushing yards, good for second-most in Auburn history behind Bo Jackson. His 91.2 career yards per game is fourth all-time in the Auburn record books, and his 45 rushing touchdowns are first.
Williams was named All-SEC his junior and senior season and All-American his senior year.
“Carnell Williams is one of Auburn’s all-time greats and we’re excited to welcome him home,” said Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn. “Cadillac is a great fit for our program. He understands and cares deeply for this university and the Auburn football program, while bringing a great knowledge of the game. He knows first-hand what it takes to be a successful running back at the highest level and has a tremendous work ethic. We’re glad to have him at Auburn and know he will be a great coach and mentor to our running backs.”
After his illustrious career on The Plains, Williams was the No. 5 overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, winning Rookie of the Year with 1,178 yards and six touchdowns.
Auburn moved Tim Horton, who had coached running backs for the Tigers since 2013, to an off-the-field role on Jan. 12.
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Nathan King, senior in journalism with a minor in business, is The Plainsman's sports editor.
