Auburn interim head coach Carnell “Cadillac” Williams is making his first appearance as head coach on Tiger Talk with Auburn broadcasters Andy Burcham and Brad Law.
Williams found out Monday afternoon that he’d become the Tigers’ interim coach after the school parted with Bryan Harsin after 21 games and a 9-12 record.
Williams and the Tigers (3-5, 1-4 SEC) seek to break a four-game losing streak when the team visits Mississippi State (5-3, 2-3 SEC) on Saturday at 6:30 on ESPN 2. Last season the Tigers famously blew a 28-3 lead en route to a 43-34 loss at Jordan-Hare.
— Law’s first question to Williams was how much sleep he’s been getting. Williams says he gets around 2-3 hours of sleep daily. He’s going to bed but can’t sleep since Monday’s announcement of him as the head coach.
— Williams says he has around 300 fans he hasn’t opened since Monday.
— Williams said his wife nudged him into considering coaching. She said, “All you do Saturday and Sunday is sit on the phone with your friends talking about football anyway.”
— Williams recalls the story about how he got in contact with Guz Malzhan to express his interest in coaching running backs at Auburn. Malzhan offered Williams the job a couple of hours after meeting for dinner at a Mexican restaurant.
— Williams believes in creating an environment of unity.
“We’re going to play Auburn football, and that’s getting back to running the football and playing relentlessly on defense. We’re going to have fun with it and these guys are going to play hard.”
— Williams is focused on being in the present moment.
— “We have to recruit, Williams said. “This place is great. Dreams come true here. And It all starts with recruiting for us.
Williams said the Auburn staff has been in the facility until 1 or 2 am each night, trying to create a game plan to beat Mississippi State.
— “We’re going to come out Saturday night and play Auburn football, and we’ll see what happens,” Williams said.
— Williams is emphasizing to the players the importance of finishing the last four games strong.
