After a combined eight years as part of the Auburn Tigers football coaching staff, Carnell ‘Cadillac’ Williams and Zac Etheridge have chosen to conclude their tenure at Auburn. Both Auburn alumni and former players express their enduring affection for Auburn, with Williams stating in a released message:
“I have decided to resign from my position with Auburn Football to pursue other opportunities. This is what’s best for me, my wife, and my sons. Auburn is and always will be a part of my life.”
Auburn student Lily Stewart finds this departure surprising, especially considering the positive impact Williams had on students after the departure of Harsin. She notes, “What Cadillac did after Harsin left and the morale that he brought to the students was just amazing, and it’s something that we’ve never really seen before. To see him go and then to see Etheridge go, it’s a big question mark.”
While Williams’ destination remains unknown, Auburn Wire suggests that Etheridge is set to join the University of Houston. Etheridge shared his thoughts on social media, stating:
“It’s been a dream coaching at my alma mater, but I’m excited and ready for the next chapter. It’s truly been an honor and a blessing coaching Auburn men on and off the field while building lifelong relationships.”
Etheridge, who played at Auburn from 2007 to 2010 and won a national championship in his final season, has left many, including Auburn Plainsman sports editor Jacob Waters, surprised by the decision.
Expressing his surprise at the departure of both coaches, Auburn Plainsman sports editor Jacob Waters remarked, “Considering they both played at Auburn, in my mind, I just thought they’d both stick around Auburn forever unless they got maybe a coordinator position somewhere. I never really expected them to just resign.”
Cadillac Williams achieved legendary status at Auburn following his tenure as a Tiger running back from 2001 to 2004. Returning to Auburn as a coach in 2019, he took on the role of interim head coach after Brian Harsin’s departure. Williams holds a 2-2 record as an interim head coach.
