REMOVE THE TAG – A LETTER TO THE AUBURN FAMILY

by | Nov 15, 2022 | Uncategorized

I want us to take a moment and think!  Think about the opportunity we have in front of us.  Right in front of our own eyes.  Think of the fun you’ve had the last two weekends.  Think of the energy and passion our team played with.  Think of how you watched our coach on the field afterward, with pride.  The class he displayed, the passion, the love for his university. Think of passing your friends and saying War Eagle !  Even people who weren’t your friends – but Auburn family – you still said War Eagle! Maybe even hugged them.  Why ?  Because we’re together again !  We are family !  Why ?  Well I think  it has a lot to do with our coach, Carnell “Cadillac” Williams. I’m going to do my best to explain why my gut tells me – we can’t waste this opportunity.  We need to REMOVE THE TAG of interim and make “Cadillac” our head coach. 

SERVE AND BELIEVE

I can feel the depth of class and character when I listen to Coach Williams speak.  Do you remember what he said after a difficult week and close loss to MSU ? “Just last night we had chapel….eight guys gave their lives to Christ….no matter what happens….we can’t lose tomorrow.”  That made me proud.  That made me truly believe that Coach Williams cares about our guys not only on the field, but in their personal lives.  He’s said over and over that he just wants to pour into their lives. He’s made a huge difference in just two weeks !

ALL AUBURN

I’ve thought for a while that it’s time for Auburn to come full circle.  It’s time for one of our own to lead this program. I thought we missed an opportunity to hire Pat Sullivan. Some people say that’s not important. I think it is now.  If I can digress for a moment – people who know me know that I grew up a North Carolina fan and made my way to Auburn. I’ve talked to an Auburn coach recently that tells me there are a lot of similarities between Auburn and North Carolina.  I agree.  My point is – I want you to think about who North Carolina entrusted it’s storied basketball program to last season. Hubert Davis, who played at UNC for Dean Smith, played in the NBA and was assistant to Roy Williams.  Hubert Davis had never been a head coach. What was the first thing Davis did ?  He said I’m going to hire my staff from people that played for Coach Smith and Coach Williams because they understand what this place is about.  Remember where UNC ended up last April ?  In his first year, Davis lead UNC to the Final Four and an upset win over Duke.  Again, my point – Auburn needs Auburn !  It’s time !  How many times have you heard “It’s Auburn being Auburn”?  Auburn is a special place. We have a special person, with special leadership qualities right in front of our eyes.  Our creed says….”because Auburn men and women believe in these things…I believe in Auburn and love it”.  Do you believe in Auburn ?  Do you believe in one of our own ?  I do.

UNITING THE FAMILY

I’ve heard a lot of talk from Auburn people that say “Cadillac” is not ready.  They say “don’t put that on him”.  They say “he doesn’t even want that”. Well, I’ve talked to people very close to Carnell that tell me he does want it – he wants to be our coach.  Why is he ready ?  Number one, look at his example the last two weeks.  Both personally and professionally Coach Williams has been an inspiration to the players and fans !  We should be (2-0).  The energy and excitement in the players’ eyes is back. The players love him – and he loves them !  I told a friend and a member of the staff the other day – did you watch that press conference ?  It was like Coach Dye walking in the room.  You could hear a pin drop.  Carnell’s classy words of love for Auburn and his players repeated over and over.  Isn’t that what we want ?  Winning with class !  I do.  Secondly, I believe we need someone as coach that differentiates us from our rivals.  Someone who offers something different at Auburn.  Coach has proven what a quality recruiter he is.  Can you imagine the type of young men he would bring to Auburn as head coach. Men of character that also have great talent.  Could you see what it meant to “Cadillac” to be the first African American coach at Auburn ?  Well, now put yourself in the body of a high school player and imagine his thoughts of playing for the first African American coach at Auburn.  You have an Auburn man who is unique to Auburn and loves Auburn !  I see championships won with grace and humility.

Third, our rivals don’t fear the other coaches on our list.  Can you imagine “Cadillac” standing at midfield with our rival to the east or west ?  Him looking them in the eye and thinking – this thing is about to change.  They would feel the uncertainty.  Don’t you think ?  I do. 

He unites us like no other can and maybe like no other ever has – on the field, off the field.  I’m very impressed in getting to know and hear “Cadillac” Williams in the last couple of weeks !  We have a treasure right in front of our own eyes.  An Auburn man through and through. 

It’s time for Auburn to SERVE and BELIEVE.  Believe in one of your own.  Believe in Auburn and love it – like he does.  Believe in Carnell Williams.  Serve him a contract that makes him our leader as Carnell “Cadillac” Williams, Auburn Head Coach !

War Eagle !