Cadillac Williams shares how Auburn staff found out about Bryan Harsin firing, interim tag

Monday was a whirlwind day for Auburn. The Tigers not only were in the process of hiring a new athletic director, but also fired football coach Bryan Harsin and named Carnell “Cadillac” Williams as the interim.

That seems like a busy day — and for Williams, it was busy in more ways than one.

CLICK HERE to subscribe for FREE to the On3 YouTube channel

“Emotions were everywhere,” Williams said Wednesday. “Coach Harsin gave me the opportunity to stay on staff, to be a part of this thing. It was a tough day for me, but I had an opportunity to address the team. I was just ecstatic and I’m honored, again, to have this opportunity and those players, man, they were excited. We’re just taking it one day at a time. This is not ideal, but man, we are definitely looking forward to the challenge.”

Auburn sent out a press release announcing Harsin’s firing around noon CT Oct. 31. Based on the timeline Williams provided Wednesday, that was shortly after the staff found out. Once the staff found out about the decision, Williams met with interim athletic director Rich McGlynn, who informed him about the decision to name him the interim head coach.

“We found out probably around 11:30,” Williams said. “Then, everything kind of hit the fan from there. Yeah, around 11:30 … the staff and I found out.”

Williams starred at Auburn from 2001-04 before becoming the No. 5 overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft. He’s been back at his alma mater since 2019 as the running backs coach and is now taking over as the head man as Auburn searches for a full-time replacement for Harsin.

Cadillac Williams shares first message to players after being named interim head coach

It’s been a big week for Carnell ‘Cadillac’ Williams as the former Auburn running back is getting a turn in the big seat as the interim head coach in the wake of Bryan Harsin’s firing. One of the first jobs as head coach: Addressing the players.

Speaking on the SEC coaches teleconference on Wednesday — another first for Williams — the interim Auburn coach shared what he told his players. Ultimately, the message is pretty simple: Take care of each other and work hard.

“One thing I stressed on was family,” Williams said. “Two decades ago, that is one of the main reasons I chose Auburn University. Because of the family atmosphere. I grew up in a big family and I came here and I loved everything about it. That blue collar mentality. How, not only do they love Auburn football, but love Auburn and just love people. So the people within these walls are what makes Auburn great. So, that’s one thing I hit on with these players.”