Auburn hires Cadillac Williams as running backs coach
Gus Malzahn is reaching into Auburn’s past to fill out his coaching staff.
Auburn announced Wednesday that Carnell “Cadillac” Williams has officially been hired as the Tigers’ running backs coach. Williams starred at Auburn from 2001-05 before playing seven seasons in the NFL.
“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.”
Williams rushed for 3,831 yards and 45 touchdowns during his time at Auburn, breaking Bo Jackson’s record for most touchdowns scored in program history. Williams is also No. 2 behind Jackson for all-time rushing yards.
Williams went on to be the fifth overall pick of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2005 NFL draft. With 1,178 yards rushing in his first season, Williams won NFL Rookie of the Year. He went on to play six seasons for the Bucs and one for the St. Louis Rams.
“Carnell Williams is one of Auburn’s all-time greats and we’re excited to welcome him home,” Malzahn said. “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.”
In order to add Williams to the staff, Tim Horton, the program’s running backs coach for the past six seasons, was moved to an off-the-field role at Auburn. Before landing the job at Auburn, Williams coached running backs at IMG Academy in Florida and also spent time with the Birmingham Iron of the new Alliance of American Football league.
Auburn went 8-5 in 2018, capped off with a blowout win over Purdue in the Music City Bowl.
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