Carnell Williams 'living the dream' during ever-changing times at Auburn
AUBURN — The journey of Carnell Williams over the past few years has been one to remember.
The former All-American and Auburn great joined Gus Malzahn‘s staff in 2019 fresh off playing for the AFL’s Birmingham Iron. He remained on staff when Bryan Harsin took over before the 2021 season, and then earned the interim head coach title after Harsin was fired. Williams then remained on staff again when Hugh Freeze took over the program, being elevated to associate head coach, in addition to running backs coach.
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“It’s weird. I forget that I even have that title to be honest with you,” Williams joked as Auburn is just days away from their annual spring A-Day game. “I’m trying to help in any way I can help. I’m taking it all in and I don’t see (the associate head coach title) to be honest with you.”
Williams appears to be busy developing the next great Auburn running back in Jarquez Hunter, all while continuing to recruit at a championship level. Williams led the efforts to land Jeremiah Cobb last year, and already has J’Marion Burnette committed for next year.
Thinking back this week, Williams paused for a moment when reminiscing about the how his life and coaching career has changed since arriving back at Auburn.
Before he arrived, Williams had two years of college experience: running backs coach at Henderson State and graduate assistant at West Georgia. He tacked on one more year of experience at IMG Academy for good measure before ultimately landing on Malzahn’s staff.
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And then all of a sudden over the past year, Williams has experienced a flurry of life-changing activity.
He held head coaching responsibilities as interim, became the first Black head coach in Iron Bowl history, was thrown in front of the media as the face of the Auburn program, helped galvanize a fanbase during dire times, and then received a standing ovation at Freeze’s introductory press conference after Freeze and Director of Athletics John Cohen specifically recognized Williams for his efforts.
It’s been a whirlwind, but one that’s given Carnell Williams a boost in confidence entering his fifth season on the Plains.
“Being thrown on that stage and having to address the whole team, from staff, media, lot more media, so I just think that the confidence part of it has grown,” Williams said. “Also, I feel like the good Lord does have me here for a reason and I’m found my purpose in life and that’s to always give back, serve, help folks any way I can. That’s fulfilling and empowering for me.
“I’m living the dream.”
