AUBURN, Ala. – Locked into the moment, Carnell Williams failed to realize the impact of his four-game stint as Auburn’s interim head coach until after the 2022 season.
“You have tunnel vision, so you don’t have time to reflect on what you’re doing,” said Williams, who developed a deeper understanding in the offseason during recruiting visits and personal appearances, and by reading letters and emails from Auburn family members.
“It literally broke me down,” recalled Williams, who led the Tigers to a pair of victories while energizing the fanbase. “How much joy we brought people, how much hope that we brought.”
An introvert at heart, Williams leaned into the increased notoriety, taking countless pictures and talking to fans during his many charity appearances.
“I enjoy blessing others,” he said. “When you’re united, you’re pulling together and you’re selfless, magic can happen. I’m a firm believer that the things you want in your life – show that to other people.
“That’s what drives me each day. I’m a walking testimony of so many people pouring into my life. I would not have had success growing up if it weren’t for others.”
Williams’ interim tenure crescendoed before and during Auburn’s emotional 13-10 win over Texas A&M on Nov. 12.
“I’m still on cloud nine,” he said. “Nobody can ever take that away from the 2022 team, those 24 seniors. We had a blast.”
When reporters asked Williams last November about his interest in the then-vacant head coaching job, Carnell answered with humility.
“My seat doesn’t dictate my service,” he said, Williams’ latest example of putting Auburn first, as he has done consistently since arriving on the Plains as a freshman nearly a quarter century ago.
“I’m living the dream. It never crossed my mind to be a head coach. It brings joy to me that somebody would think that much of me to lead this program.”
When Hugh Freeze accepted Auburn’s head coaching offer, his first action was to hire Williams as associate head coach.
Heading into his fifth season coaching Auburn’s running backs, Williams likes the depth of his position.
“I just love the camaraderie in that room,” he said. “I’ve got a bunch of hard-working guys who are selfless. It’s going to be fun to watch. From top to bottom, it’s probably the deepest that room has been since I’ve been here.”
Williams knows a thing or two about deep rooms. When he played for the Tigers, he shared a backfield with fellow future NFL players Ronnie Brown and Brandon Jacobs, along with Tre Smith.
“We made each other better,” said Williams, who holds the program record for career rushing touchdowns with 45. “Iron sharpens iron. We were selfless. When Ronnie, Brandon or Tre would do something good, I was happy for them. I’m cheering for them, but it also lights a fire up under me.”
At a school known for producing future NFL running backs including himself, Williams scours the Southeast in search of Auburn’s next legendary runner.
“Recruits have the opportunity of a lifetime,” Williams said, referencing Coach Freeze and the Woltosz Football Performance Center, along with Auburn’s academics, campus and community. “These kids get a chance to create their own legacy.
“We are looking for guys who want to get after the elephant, the bulldog and the other tiger. At Auburn, we’re not afraid of the big boys and we belong on the same field as those guys. Why not come here and change the trajectory of Auburn football?”
While Williams and his wife, Evan, raise sons Cole and Cuinn, Cadillac also views Auburn’s running backs as an extension of his family.
“I’m appreciative that God gives me the opportunity to pour into these guys’ lives, not only on the field but beyond the game of football,” he said. “It’s instant gratification for me.
“Let’s be selfless, let’s work our tails off, let’s play efficiently on offense. On defense, let’s run to the football, special teams, let’s play together. Let’s all be one and moving the same direction. Let’s lean on the Auburn family, the Auburn fans at Jordan-Hare, and magic can happen.”
