Paul Finebaum: Saturday night changed things dramatically for Cadillac Williams, Auburn

Paul Finebaum doesn’t think yesterday’s price is today’s price for Carnell Williams at Auburn.

While “Cadillac” was more than enthusiastic to be the Tigers interim leader, Finebaum and many pundits never really considered the fact that he could earn the job over the coming weeks. However, the SEC Network analyst believes that’s all changing following an electric victory for Williams and Auburn last weekend over Texas A&M.

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“It’s changed it dramatically, because a week ago I said it was a nice story but I didn’t think it would change anything. I think it has changed things now, because you’re getting an opportunity to see what a coach’s impact is on players,” stated Finebaum, via McElroy and Cubelic In The Morning. “I think, first of all, you have to determine, are we overreacting to the moment, because of the comatose level of excitement that Bryan Harsin brought? Yeah, probably. But that doesn’t matter if it’s real. Only the people on that campus can tell if it’s real.

“I think you have to consider Carnell Williams today as a legitimate candidate for the job.”

Whether or not he’s the long-term answer hasn’t been on Carnell Williams’ mind — he simply wants to restore Auburn to the glory he believes they posses. Time will tell if he gets more than the rest of the 2022 season to do so, but he’s making believers out of his doubters already.

Cadillac Williams: Auburn should always be on top of college football

As Paul Finebaum will now admit, Cadillac Williams is making a strong case to be the man who leads Auburn into a new era of football.

The passion his team and the fanbase showed him on Saturday was unique as anything, and Williams was understandably emotional after their victory over Texas A&M. Speaking with the media afterwards, Williams elaborated on why he believes the Tigers should always be on the top of the sport.

“Watch out college football,” responded Williams, asked what he meant. “Why wouldn’t you want to come to Auburn? I coached at IMG for 2017, 2018, and every player that used to come on campus here. … It’s different. It has a different ring to it. It’s got a different feel. So along with the new facility and the Auburn people, this place should always be on top of college football. It’s truly, like I tell recruits, it’s truly the people within the walls. … This is a place that you can develop not only on the field, but off the field. People that are passionate about Auburn, Auburn football but also humanity. Love, care. Work hard, hard work. It’s everything that the kids, they want to get better. They want to serve and do great things in life. You can do that right here at Auburn, because it’s a place where dreams come true. I mean, look at me. First African American coach to be in this elite position. Something that I never even thought of, never crossed my mind. 

“So not only do dreams come true here, but things that you don’t even think of can come true if you come here. I mean, who would’ve ever thought that I’d be standing here? Because Lord knows I didn’t.” 

Whether Cadillac Williams gets a chance to build something special at Auburn or if he’s only leading the charge for the remainder of 2022, his passion and enthusiasm for the Tigers is matched by few. Time will tell what the brass decides, but the fans would’ve signed him to a long term deal last night.