Cadillac Williams gives emotional praise to the Auburn fanbase, family after first win

It wasn’t hard to see the firing of Bryan Harsin coming from a mile away. That eventually became one of the more predictable moves of the college football season. However, what’s happened since ‘Cadillac’ Williams has taken over for Auburn was far less obvious.

Amidst the Tiger’s close overtime loss to Mississippi State and their win over Texas A&M, the team and fanbase have rallied behind their new leader in a way they haven’t in some time. After the win over the Aggies, Williams spoke about how much he appreciates the support that the school has shown him both previously as a player for Auburn as well as the program’s interim head coach.

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“Last but not least, this Auburn brand? This Auburn family? (This) place is special,” said Williams. “It changed the whole trajectory of the Wiliams family. I mean from a player, undefeated season, the fifth pick in the draft, rookie of the year, the relationships? The whole 2004 team and guys that I played with, to see their faces? To see how happy they were? It’s something real. (This) place is special.”

It’s hard to blame Williams for the emotion he showed because of the outpouring of support for him. His energy has seemingly reignited this season’s team and the fanbase that follows them. Early on, he said he considered taking the more usual, refined approach to being a head coach. However, Williams said the love from the Tiger faithful has inspired him to be himself on the sidelines.

“To see the support from the fans? They put a battery in my back and they energized me,” said Williams.

Considering the big fish that the Auburn athletic department has dropped a line in for already, it’s not likely that Williams will remain at the helm on The Plains. Still, even if it is just a four-game stint, he provided all the energy the Tigers needed for the end of their season and, in turn, they’ve paid it right back to him. Regardless of how things go against Western Kentucky and Alabama, it’s been a job well done by Williams for how he has shifted the energy around the program alone in his short tenure.