Cadillac Williams embraces role as first African American head coach at Iron Bowl

Cadillac Willams already made history when Auburn elevated him to interim head coach when the program parted ways with Bryan Harsin. Williams is the first Black man to coach the Auburn football team.

Auburn’s victory against Texas A&M made him the first African-American to win a game as the Auburn head football coach. Williams is 2-1 as interim coach after Saturday’s 41-17 win against Western Kentucky at Jordan-Hare.

Williams’ entries into the history books will forge onward when the Tigers (5-6, 2-5 SEC) travel to Tuscaloosa for the Iron Bowl against #8 Alabama (9-2, 5-2 SEC) for Saturday’s (2:30 CT CBS) game. He will be the first Black head coach in Iron Bowl history. Becoming a trailblazer isn’t easy, but Williams is enjoying the process.

“I saw that this morning, and honestly felt bad because I sometimes get so caught up in the moment where it didn’t even hit me, honestly, until I saw it this morning,” I was like, wow. That’s pretty cool. All this is like a shock. What a blessing it is. And honestly, I’ve kind of been this my whole life: I’m sure later on, I’ll reflect on it and truly, truly enjoy it. But man, you know, I’m just in the moment and doing what I can each and every day.”

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What Cadillac Williams said during press conference to preview the Iron Bowl

Auburn is a three-touchdown underdog in most sportsbooks. The Tigers haven’t won at Bryant-Denny Stadium since the 2010 Cam Newton game. A win in the Iron Bowl with a shot at becoming bowl-eligible seemed unfathomable after the Tigers got embarrassed by Arkansas, leading to Harsin’s removal as head coach. However, Williams has the team believing that anything is possible.

Edge rusher Derick Hall was asked if he’d recommend Auburn to remove the interim tag from Williams and make him the head coach. Hall firmly backed Williams, echoing sentiments from several players.

“I’d vouch for him 1,000 times over. He’s come in, and he can relate to this place, No. 1. He can relate to the players, No. 2, being in the position that we were in,” Hall said. “And, you know, he can relate to the things that we’re trying to do in the future. A lot of guys have that aspiration to go and play in the National Football League, and he’s done that. He knows what it takes.”

A walk inside Auburn’s football facility reflects the optimism and joy that starts with Williams. His hire might’ve started as a feel-good story of a legendary player returning home to help his school in a time of uncertainty and desperation. He’s also carrying the responsibility of trailblazing.

“I know the responsibility of having that or being the first of any to do anything. I’m honored and blessed,” Williams said. “I give credit to the people before me who paved the way for myself to have this opportunity. Lord knows there’s a lot of guys that look just like me that actually can do a doggone good job in this seat. So, I’m honored. I’m just in the moment and chopping wood and just trying to win a ballgame. That’s it. That’s all I’m focused on right now.”

A win against Alabama could open a door that Williams never imagined could be possible.

“I was a scared puppy when I took the job,” Williams said. “But, I’ve received so much support from the players, alums, and my former teammates. I’ve heard from some people who’ve injected so much confidence into me. I feel good. The more you do something. The more you feel like this is something I could definitely do. It feels great to serve.”

Nubyjas Wilborn covers Auburn for Alabama Media Group.

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