Carnell Williams remains at Auburn, helping drive the new culture alongside Hugh Freeze

AUBURN — During a lengthy introductory press conference for new Auburn head football coach Hugh Freeze with opening comments from athletics director John Cohen, the first item of business from both upon stepping up to the podium was singling out and singing the praises of interim head coach Carnell Williams.

And that’s exactly what should have happened.

“First of all, before I get started, I want to recognize coach Carnell Williams, who did an incredible job as our interim coach and a tremendous job as a leader, not only for our football program but for our university as well,” Cohen said.

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That’s all it took to get the supporters in attendance to stand to their feet and give Williams a standing ovation, as Cohen stepped back from the podium and applauded Williams’ efforts. It was an important moment that Williams will undoubtedly never forget.

“I know Coach Williams had a great meeting with Coach Freeze last night, and I’m just thrilled to say I think we’re going to have two great leaders leading this football program, and I’m so excited about that,” Cohen continued.

Williams took over head coaching duties after Bryan Harsin was fired on October 31. He led the Tigers to a 2-2 record in four games, but more importantly than that, he rejuvenated the spirit inside the Auburn locker room. He made players, fans, alumni, boosters, anyone and everyone associated with the program proud.

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Cadillac’s message over the last month of the football season was to serve one another, believe, and stay disciplined. The players listened. They paid more attention to their academics according to Williams, and they enjoyed practicing and playing. It was obvious.

Williams was rewarded with the title of associate head coach and running backs coach. He will be an important part in continuing build the culture of Auburn football alongside Freeze.

“Before I start my comments, I’d also like to just take a few minutes too. I’m so glad that the schedule for me at the end of the year married up with being able to witness your final few games here. Because what I witnessed, I thought, was one of the most outstanding jobs of leadership that I’ve ever witnessed in college football,” Freeze stated.

He was, of course, talking about the outstanding job Williams did as interim head coach. Freeze talked about the difficulty in motivating players sometimes, especially when the season is somewhat lost and bowl chances are slim. That was definitely Auburn’s situation.

Freeze raved about the passion and enthusiasm he witnessed from the Auburn football team as Williams led the team with humility and unrivaled vitality.

“To me, it was a direct reflection of Cadillac (Williams) and his leadership and how he led the staff and those young men. I thought it was a brilliant job,” Freeze said.

Freeze made it clear to Cohen and Deputy AD Rich McGlynn during hiring conversations that keeping Williams was important. It wasn’t Cohen and McGlynn forcing Williams on Freeze, it was the other way around. Freeze desperately hoped Williams would remain at Auburn. Freeze flew into Auburn on Monday night and one of his first action items was meeting with Williams. All that meeting did was further solidify what Freeze already knew.

“I knew my first priority was I have to have Cadillac along my side to help me drive the culture of Auburn football,” said Freeze.

“We’re always constantly learning as leaders, and I look forward to what he’s going to be able to impart to me on the knowledge of the Auburn Family and just the feeling that you get here when you arrive. And he embodies it every single day – you can tell. And the passion he has for this place. So I’m thankful, so thankful that he’s going to be with us.”

Carnell Williams isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, as Freeze’s first hire as Auburn football coach was certainly the easiest decision he’ll ever make.