Alongside the shockwaves of news Alabama head coach Nick Saban has retired, along with numerous other high-profile personnel announcements, the Auburn Tigers are down two assistant coaches in less than 24 hours.
Running back coach and associate coach Carnell “Cadillac” Williams put out a statement on Thursday evening announcing his resignation, then on Friday morning, secondary coach Zac Etheridge resigned as well.
Williams, who had been on the staff since 2019, put out a statement:
“After taking time to pray and reflect, I have made the decision to resign from my position with Auburn football to pursue other opportunities. I love Auburn, the players and the AU family with all my heart, but this decision is what’s best for me, my wife and sons. I am extremely grateful for the coaching opportunity first given to me by Coach Malzahn and most recently by Coach Freeze. These past five years have been nothing short of incredible. Auburn is and always will be a special part of my life. War Eagle!”
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Williams had served as Auburn’s interim coach last season following the mid-season firing of Bryan Harsin over the final four games and finished with a record of 2-2 including an emotional win over Texas A&M.
Etheridge, who, like Williams, played at Auburn, had been with the program since 2021. He put out a similar message to Williams on Friday morning:
“I want to thank the entire Auburn Family for the last three years. It’s been a dream coaching at my alma mater, but I’m excited and ready for the next chapter to further my career. I love Auburn with all my heart and have no doubt that the program will flourish under Coach Freeze’s leadership. Above all, I want to say thank you to my players. It’s truly been an honor and a blessing to develop Auburn men on and off the field while building lifelong relationships.”
Auburn is now replacing both coordinators and two position coaches as it moves into year two of the Hugh Freeze era. Offensive coordinator Philip Montgomery was relieved of his duties, while defensive coordinator Ron Roberts elected to join Billy Napier’s staff at Florida.
Michael Brauner is a Senior Sports Analyst and Contributing Writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @MBraunerWNSP
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