Former Auburn interim head coach Cadillac Williams appears to be an ideal candidate for the head coaching position at Jacksonville State, a role that became available after Rich Rodriguez’s return to West Virginia.
Williams, a Gadsden native, stepped up in 2022 to replace Bryan Harsin and led Auburn to a 2-2 record, with a memorable victory over Texas A&M. His ability to win significant games under pressure left a lasting impression. Although he spent 2023 as an associate head coach under Hugh Freeze, the new regime wasn’t the right fit for Williams, leading to his resignation in January 2024. Now a running backs coach with the Las Vegas Raiders, Williams’ future could be uncertain, especially with the Raiders’ leadership in flux. Moving to a local position at Jacksonville State would offer him a chance to establish himself on his own terms.
Under Rodriguez, Jacksonville State became Conference USA champions and solidified its reputation in the recruiting landscape, setting Williams up for success. His NFL connections could help bring top talent to JSU, especially in the running back position.
With college football increasingly adopting a pro-style approach, Williams’ familiarity with the NFL could be valuable in building a strong support staff. Additionally, JSU represents a potential springboard for Williams, possibly setting him up for a future head coaching role at Auburn once Freeze eventually moves on.
In short, this seems like the perfect opportunity for both Williams and Jacksonville State. Here’s hoping athletic director Greg Seitz makes the call.
