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The saga of Cadillac Williams moves from 'nice story' to 'legit contender' Taylor Jones ~2 minutes The turnaround that Auburn Football has experienced in two weeks under Cadillac Williams is unfathomable. The interim head coach has appeared to have united a passionate fanbase, and has all but healed a broken roster full of talented athletes who just want to succeed on the field. Has Williams done enough to be considered a legitimate head coaching candidate? Many fans believe he has, as has one college football expert. Buy Tigers Tickets In a recent episode of “McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning” on Jox 94.5 in Birmingham, SEC Network’s Paul Finebaum says that Williams’ price has risen drastically in a short span. “A week ago, I said it was a nice story but I didn’t think it would change anything. I think it has changed things now because you’re getting an opportunity to see what a coach’s impact is on players,” Finebaum said Monday. “I think, first of all, you have to determine, are we overreacting to the moment, because of the comatose level of excitement that Bryan Harsin brought? Yeah, probably. But that doesn’t matter if it’s real. Only the people on that campus can tell if it’s real.” Williams sold himself well last Saturday, as he led the Tigers to its first win since Sept. 24, a span of six games. He did so in front of a sold-out crowd filled with energetic fans and former teammates. The performance was well-received. So much so, that several current players are calling for Auburn athletic director John Cohen to “remove the tag” from Williams’ title. Williams has two more opportunities to “interview” for the head coaching job. His next chance will come Saturday when Auburn hosts Western Kentucky at Jordan-Hare Stadium.

'It just came full circle': Williams grateful for support from former teammates Nathan King 5–6 minutes AUBURN, Alabama — Cadillac Williams doesn’t rush his thoughts. He’s been a calculated speaker since taking over as Auburn’s interim head coach. He’ll pause before answers, ensuring a purposeful response. And a question Monday afternoon prompted his longest pause yet: What was his favorite part of Saturday’s 13-10 win over Texas A&M? Williams took several breaths, joking that it was a “loaded question.” His final answer? Seeing all his former teammates there, supporting him before the game, in the locker room, and afterwards — a front-row seat to their former star running back’s first head-coaching win and a momentous day of relief and joy inside Jordan-Hare Stadium. “I’m talking about a lot of good memories,” Williams said Monday. “Those were just replaying in my mind, so I honestly think that was the coolest thing, seeing the smiles on their face, like all them guys being in the locker room when I addressed the team, and then after the game having all those players in the locker room, like, it was — it was crazy to see. “It just came full circle, so I mean, honestly, that was my favorite part about Saturday, to be honest with you.” Names like Marcus McNeil, Carlos Rogers, Brandon Jacobs, Devin Aromoshadu, Dontarrious Thomas and others not only flocked to the Plains to watch Williams’ first home game as Auburn’s interim coach, but they were also in the locker room with the Tigers and flooded the sidelines during the game. “I've never seen that many people in the locker room before,” fifth-year senior receiver Shedrick Jackson said. “It was a good scene, just seeing them come back and support us, supporting Cadillac. I think it made a difference, gave us energy, gave us a reason.” And it wasn’t just Williams and his coaching staff delivering pregame messages. “They were in there hyping us up before the game, too,” center Brandon Council said of Williams’ former teammates in the locker room. “They were ready. They were behind us 10 toes down, and it was exciting. Especially after the game with them coming up, congratulating you (and) introducing themselves. You can't beat it." Williams paid tribute to how former coach Tommy Tuberville used to lead those teams into battle — by walking out of the tunnel arm-in-arm with his players. Williams’ team, particularly on defense, played with the same tenacity and physicality as some of Auburn’s championship squads in the mid-2000s. Auburn held Texas A&M without a first down in the second half until 6:10 left, and the Aggies had only 5 yards of offense after halftime until their final drive of the game. Williams ran for 3,831 career yards from 2001-04 at Auburn, and a program-record 45 touchdowns. He has two Auburn-related group messages on his phone, filled with former teammates. After being named the interim coach a couple hours after Auburn parted ways with Bryan Harsin on Halloween, Williams said those groups have been on fire with texts — especially after the Mississippi State loss last weekend, when several of his former teammates had coaching advice to offer. “‘Lac, you can’t do that,’” Williams laughed as he recalled from the group messages. “I’m going through the messages: ‘You got to kick the field goal; you ain’t playing no video games.’ You know, they have been very supportive, but everybody could be a coach coaching from the couch, and everybody can second-guess and do all that.” Instead of reading 100s of texts Saturday night, Williams got to celebrate with his former teammates on Pat Dye Field. A close second for Williams on Saturday was being given the game ball in the locker room by Auburn’s team captains. Williams, the NFL Rookie of the Year in 2005 and an All-American at Auburn, said he’s given away most of his awards throughout his career; they never held much value for him. That game ball, though — from a surreal night for an Auburn icon — will stay in the Williams family forever. “Now that I got kids and a family, that kind of changed — because my boys, they definitely think those things are really cool,” Williams said. “So, to keep a game ball and have it down in the basement, let the boys see that this was their first Tiger Walk that they walked in, that this was their first game where their daddy won. Yeah, I think I’m going to keep this one.”

Latest from Auburn: Coaching search, press conference highlights and more Phillip Marshall 6–7 minutes Monday scuttlebutt on Auburn’s search for a new head coach and highlights from press conferences with interim head football coach Cadillac Williams and head basketball coach Bruce Pearl . Go inside for the latest look at Auburn's search for a head coach to replace Bryan Harsin, who was fired two weeks ago. Also see what Williams and Pearl gad to say ahead of Tuesday's basketball game against Winthrop and Saturday's football game against Western Kentucky, along with quotes from football players Brandon Council and Marquis Burks. FOOTBALL COACHING SEARCH Here is what I have heard today about Auburn’s coaching search. In this day of tight lips, nothing is really certain. * I believe, for now, Lane Kiffin is the top target. Top target doesn’t mean the only one and doesn’t mean somebody else could not blow them away and change that. * Calls are still being made to agents. Some interviews have either taken place or will as soon as coaches are available for interviews. Those things will continue until there is a firm agreement, whether with Kiffin or someone else. * There is no timetable being put on any coach to make a decision and, as yet, no firm timetable for when Auburn will announce a decision. * No final agreement has been reached with anybody. * If Kiffin wants the job, he will want full control of football, much like Saban has. I don’t expect that to be an issue. Is Lane Kiffin Auburn's top target? (Photo: © Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports, USA TODAY Sports) * AD John Cohen and deputy AD Rich McGlynn, who we reported almost two weeks ago would be conducting the search side-by-side with Cohen, are hard at work every day. It wasn’t exactly difficult to find out. I asked McGlynn if he would be working with Cohen on the search and he said “Yep.” Pretty easy. * Anyone who says Cohen is being pressured to do anything is wrong. He will listen to other opinions, but other than President Chris Roberts, no one has any leverage to pressure him. These are different times in Auburn athletics. He won’t go to the Board of Trustees, hat in hand, to seek their blessing. He will make a decision and then inform them of what he has decided. * Cohen moved to Auburn because he believes Auburn can win championships. He will hire the coach he believes has the best chance to make that happen, not the coach with the best chance to win the press conference. FOOTBALL WILLIAMS’ PRESS CONFERENCE Here are highlights from Auburn interim coach Cadillac Williams’ Monday press conference: On last Saturday’s atmosphere, moving on “I am very appreciative of the Auburn family and the way they showed up Saturday night. Wow, what an atmosphere. Great win, but now it’s time to turn the page. We have a Western Kentucky team that’s pretty darn good.” On Western Kentucky “We’re going to have to come bring out A-game. So, once again, I’m calling on the Auburn family. Like I need help up here, we need help, so come pack the house out, and let’s have fun.” On the shooting deaths of three Virginia players “I met Coach (Tony) Elliott when I was at IMG. What a standup guy. I hurt for them and those families, The Auburn family definitely has them in our prayers.” On Auburn’s offensive line “As running backs, we get all the attention because we are carrying the ball. Those guys up front are moving people. They are fighting. They are together. They are straining out there, getting a hat on a hat.” On watching Auburn’s defense “I played running back, but my heart was always on defense. In high school, I loved to strike people. Understand that concept of 11 guys playing together, getting to the football, relentless, striking people. That creates so much momentum, so much confidence. And I sure have confidence in them.” AUBURN PLAYERS Highlights from Auburn players: C Brandon Council on his injury “I feel pretty good. I will be ready Saturday.” Center Brandon Council says he will be ready to play against Western Kentucky. (Photo: Todd Van Emst / Auburn Athletics) Council on the running game “That’s what we are here to do. Anytime we have two running backs over 100 yards, that’s a win for the O--line, We are all on the same page and executing our assignments so the running backs can do their job.” Council on atmosphere for win over Texas A&M “That game was electric. It was insane. You’d have thought we were playing for an SEC championship. It was Auburn’s one-of-a-kind atmosphere. The fans really came out to support us as a team and Coach Cadillac. We really appreciate it.” DT Marquis Burks on improving defensive line “We definitely are getting better every day. We hit the sled every day. We are maintaining our fundamentals. I have seen our play elevate in the last few weeks.” Burks on dealing with coaching staff changes “These last two weeks have been a roller-coaster, ups and downs, mixed emotions everywhere. Really, we just all came together. We were like this is our last four weeks and we are going to make it our own.” BASKETBALL PEARL’S PRESS CONFERENCE Here are some highlights from Bruce Pearl’s press conference a day before the Tigers play host to Winthrop. On having to come from behind to beat USF “We played hard, but we’re not finishing. Obviously, we missed a lot of shots – around the basket, from the free throw line and the 3-point line, which led to a lot of transition for South Florida.” On game against Winthrop “They are going to expose us, which is what you want. You want to be really challenged. They will force us to execute offensively and execute defensively. … It’s a good opponent.” On games against underdog opponents “Colorado beats Tennessee yesterday, Colorado lost at home to Grambling. It happens. It can absolutely happen, because these teams are good.”

Auburn football players campaigning for Cadillac Williams as head coach Mary Kate Hughes 2–3 minutes After an incredible weekend on the Plains, it’s safe to say that the Auburn football program is back up. Even without a head coach in place, the 3-win Tigers (now four, of course) played in front of a sold out crowd with electric energy in Jordan-Hare Stadium. Not only did Auburn football defeat the Texas A&M Aggies, but the university also celebrated the opening of the new, football-only facility worth over 90 million dollars. With just two regular-season games left on the schedule, and important recruiting deadlines coming up at the beginning of December, the program is inching closer to making its next hire. Though much of the buzz right now is surrounding Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin, who is widely considered as the favorite in the search, current Auburn football players are showing their support for interim head coach Cadillac Williams and the amazing job he’s done since taking over from Bryan Harsin. Coach LAC for head coach!🧡💙 #WDE @CoachCaddy24 — Camden Brown (@CamdenBrown7) November 13, 2022 Remove that interim from the front of it WE WANT LAC!!!! 🦅 — Keionte Scott (@KeionteS) November 13, 2022 We want Coach Lac🧡💙!!! — Koy Moore 🇲🇦 الحمدلله (@asap_koy) November 13, 2022 Coach LAC FOR HEAD COACH! — Malcolm Johnson Jr (@thejjett) November 13, 2022 While there is absolutely no doubt that Cadillac has helped transform the program and fan base in what has been a mostly dreadful season, it’s not likely that he is gunning for his first head coaching job just yet. He has no head coaching experience, and was somewhat thrown in to the fire when he was named interim HC. However, retaining Caddy on the staff should be a non-negotiable for the next head coach of Auburn football. It’s clear that he is extremely important to and has a great impact on the student-athletes, and the future of the football program.

he is trolling homer. if he wants to make a complete fool of himself let him. one does not have to kill someone to make them bleed and he knows this. it is idiots like him that will end up bringing this country down.

no trump is so toxic dude his own people are turning against him. please i beg you not to tell anyone you attended auburn if in fact you did. we do not need that kind of pub.

bull****. dems did not storm the capitol. dems did not fire up the crazies to kill our school children. you got my answer. you can except it or go screw yourself. it is idiots like you that have us in the situation we are in. you were sold a bill of goods and instead of admitting it and realizing it went to far and people were hurt and died over the crap your side throws out there. word DO matter. you can deflect all you want but people know what is happening and it cost your side in the election.

i am posting reminders of what jesus is really about. i also feel like he would want us to step up. it is also a world view that i would wish upon all of us. ichy at the end of the day in my heart i believe everyone counts or no one counts. no one should be left behind.

your only intention of posting in a thread weeks old is so you can try and embarrass someone. you can sling all the bull around you want scooter but one thing you can take to the bank. i never kissed trumps a** like you and some of your buddies did. your fellow repukes stomped cops at the capitol. you guys wanted to hang pence and nancy. you even made crap up about an old man who got his head caved in. silence is consent. you guys cheered and cheered trump on. you cheered trump when he smeared a POW. you laughed when orange boy made fun of the handicapped reporter. hell you guys backed orange boy when he dissed a war hero and his five star family. several of your extreme righties like to go shoot kids in schools. sure there have been a couple of exceptions but you guys own most of it. you are arre a damn fruitloop that worships another fruitloop to include hurting people. and some those cops you beat? they took their lives because of it. trump has never apologized for it once that i am aware of and i keep up with him. and now you want to ridicule a decent man who is trying to right the country after the train wreck called trump. and yes i meant every single word i said. and most of you repukes do have blood on yuor hands. you helped enable this crap. not one time dis any single one of you stand up and say trump needs to quit his crap because he is putting people in danger. not one. if anyone did i will need a link because i have not seen i. i do not like you. in fact i cannot stand you and you prove why almost every single time you open your mouth. i told you to let it go but you had to badger me like a damn toddler.

they are not accusations when they have been proven. i am done with this. i already told you my stance. ARE YOU STUPID? i do not think so. quit acting like it.

"i am going to the bathroom and during this time i ask that you honor my wishes for privacy through this trying time. thank you".

dude you read just like i do. you can keep your head in the sand all you want. if you want to act like you do not know then you are trolling or not very smart. i am not going to keep reposting all the crap your side has done. the fact you even need an answer is a joke. you would be better off excepting all the crap that happened and learning from your mistakes but you want to remain in denial. have fun with that.

the kind that will not wash off and will stain their hands forever.

Holloway Continues Five-Star Recruiting Pipeline to the Plains Auburn University Athletics 2 minutes AUBURN, Ala. – Aden Holloway signed his National Letter of Intent to play for Auburn Men's Basketball on Monday, continuing Head Coach Bruce Pearl and his staff's five-star recruiting pipeline to the Plains. The Tigers have consistently nabbed top-rated talent on the recruiting trail including NBA Lottery picks in the 2019 and 2021 classes, three ESPN 100 prospects in the 2020 class and two ESPN 100 prospects in the 2022 class. The 6-foot-1, 165-pound point guard currently attends Prolific Prep in Napa, Calif. He is ranked No. 21 overall in the Class of 2023 by ESPN and No. 33 overall by Rivals. "Auburn has become a place where fast, quick, creative guards have flourished," Pearl said. "Aden is a special winner. He has a high basketball IQ and the unique ability to create for himself and others. People just love playing with him." Originally from Charlotte, N.C., Holloway started his playing career at Matthews (N.C.) Covenant Day School, before transferring to La Lumiere School in La Porte, Ind. During his sophomore season at Covenant Day, he averaged 21.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.3 steals per game. He also played summer basketball with Team CP3 on the EYBL, where he averaged 16.2 points, 5.0 assists and 3.9 rebounds per contest, while shooting 41 percent from the field and 35 percent from behind the 3-point arc. Holloway attended this year's Pangos All-American Camp, NBPA Top 100 Camp, CP3 Elite Guard Camp and USA Basketball October Junior National Team Minicamp.

Bruce Pearl: ‘There’s a chance’ freshman Chance Westry debuts vs. Winthrop Updated: Nov. 14, 2022, 2:39 p.m.|Published: Nov. 14, 2022, 1:52 p.m. 3 minutes Auburn freshman Chance Westry is being asked to learn three positions in Bruce Pearl's system ahead of the 2022-23 season. (Tom Green/tgreen@al.com) Auburn freshman Chance Westry’s college debut could be on the horizon. Westry has been working his way back from a preseason knee procedure and has yet to see the court in Auburn’s first two games of the season. That could change Tuesday when No. 13 Auburn (2-0) hosts Winthrop at Neville Arena for a 6 p.m. matchup. Read more Auburn basketball: Auburn moves up in AP poll after opening week of season ‘Auburn being Auburn’: AD John Cohen wants to flip the script on ‘JABA’ refrain Scarbinsky: Cohen’s big fat take THAT serves notice to the naysayers around Auburn “There’s a chance Chance will play some,” Auburn coach Bruce Pearl said Monday. “...We don’t want to rush him, but there’s a chance he could play tomorrow.” Westry has been inching his way toward a return, going full-speed in practices last week and even participating in early warmups before Friday’s comeback win against South Florida. If Westry is available against Winthrop, Pearl said the Tigers will ease him into things, and he may be limited to 10-15 minutes in his debut. Westry underwent an arthroscopic procedure on his knee in early October -- the same day Pearl underwent a similar procedure -- with a timeline of three to four weeks expected for his return. It has taken a little longer, but the versatile 6-foot-6 guard/wing is close to making his debut. A former four-star prospect, Westry as rated as the No. 38 player in the 2022 class. He was rated as the No. 12 small forward in the country and was the second-highest rated signee in the Tigers’ class, behind five-star combo forward Yohan Traore. “It means a lot,” center Dylan Cardwell of Westry’s imminent return. “You know, Chance picked us up a lot on defense in Israel. I love his hard work ethic and stuff like that. I’m excited to see him play in front of the Jungle.... He deserves it, man. I’m excited for him. I’m praying he has a great rest of the season.” Tom Green is an Auburn beat reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Tomas_Verde. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation.

How to watch the Auburn basketball game vs Winthrop Zac Blackerby 2-3 minutes The Auburn basketball team will look to remain undefeated and improve to 3-0 with a win over Winthrop Tuesday night. Bruce Pearl and the Auburn Tigers will work on improving the perimeter game over the course of the season and take advantage of their homestand in Neville Arena to start the season. Winthrop is picked to finish second in the preseason Big South Conference Poll. Tuesday’s game against the Winthrop Eagles is a non-bracketed game of the 2022 Cancun Challenge. Next week, the Tigers will play in the Riviera Division (Bradley, Liberty, and Northwestern), while Winthrop is in the Mayan Division (Purdue Fort Wayne, Eastern Michigan, and Southern Miss). Auburn leads the all-time series with Winthrop 5-1. The most recent meeting was on Nov. 24, 2017, in Auburn with the Tigers securing a 119-85 victory. It tied as the most points squared by an Auburn squad in the Bruce Pearl Era next to 119 versus Northwestern State on Nov. 27, 2015. How to watch the Auburn basketball game vs Winthrop The Auburn basketball game vs Winthrop will tip off at 6:00 pm CT on the SEC Network. Tom Hart and Daymeon Fishback will have the call. The radio call can be heard on the Auburn Sports Network. Andy Burcham, Sonny Smith, and Brad Law will be all over the action. Fun fact This is from a release from Auburn: Winthrop Head Coach Mark Prosser is one of two head coaches the Tigers will face in the non-conference, whose father also coached in either the collegiate or professional ranks. Prosser’s father Skip was a legendary coach at Xavier (1994-2001) and Wake Forest (2001-07). Northwestern (possible opponent at the Cancun Challenge) Head Coach Chris Collins’ father Doug, was the head coach for the Chicago Bulls (1986-1989), Detroit Pistons (1995-98), Washington Wizards (2001-03) and Philadelphia 76ers (2010-13). Engage with Auburn Daily on Socials! Join the Discord Follow Auburn Daily on Twitter Like Auburn Daily on Facebook Subscribe to Locked On Auburn on YouTube Buy Auburn Daily Merch

Bruce Pearl updates injury status of two Tigers ahead of Winthrop game Taylor Jones 2 minutes The No. 15 Auburn Tigers could be at full strength for the first time all season when they take the floor against Winthrop on Tuesday night at Neville Arena. Head coach Bruce Pearl said Monday that there is a chance that injured players Johni Broome and Chance Westry could be back in the rotation in time for the Tigers’ next game. Buy Tigers Tickets Broome, who has played in both of the Tigers’ games to this point, has been dealing with ankle issues lately. So much so, that he was considered questionable for the Winthrop game as of Monday afternoon. Pearl said Monday that Broome was “more active” Sunday, but was still dealing with complications. Broome could not follow up his 12-point season-opening performance on Friday in Auburn’s win over South Florida, as he scored just three points and went 0-for-6 from the field. The biggest news is that in the case of freshman guard Chance Westry. Westry, who infamously underwent arthroscopic knee surgery last month alongside his head coach, could play as much as 10-15 minutes on Tuesday according to Pearl. Westry made quite the impression on Pearl and Auburn fans during the Tigers’ Israel expedition in August by averaging 10.3 points per contest in three games. He was a four-star rated guard out of Compass Prep in Chandler, Arizona, and was the No. 44 overall player for the 2022 cycle according to 247Sports. Auburn hits the floor Tuesday night against Winthrop in a non-bracket contest of the Cancun Challenge. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. inside Neville Arena.

Elite 2023 point guard Aden Holloway signs with Auburn Updated: Nov. 14, 2022, 3:40 p.m.|Published: Nov. 14, 2022, 3:38 p.m. 3 minutes Auburn Basketball Auburn men’s basketball signs top-5 PG to 2023 recruiting class La Lumiere's Aden Holloway (2) in action against Arizona Compass Prep during a high school basketball game at the Hoophall Classic, Sunday, January 16, 2022, in Springfield, MA. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan)AP By Nick Alvarez | nalvarez@al.com A future Auburn guard was recognized by the Tigers on Monday. Aden Holloway, a four-star recruit and Auburn’s lone commit in the 2023 class, signed his national letter of intent. Holloway is the No. 28 prospect in 247Sports Composite rankings and the fifth-best point guard. The Charlotte, North Carolina native is listed at 6-foot, 155 pounds with his best skill being his shot. In the Nike EYBL circuit with Team CP3, he posted a 35% clip from 3-point range, averaging 16.2 points and 5.0 assists. “Auburn has become a place where fast, quick, creative guards have flourished. Aden is a special winner. He has a high basketball IQ and the unique ability to create for himself and others. People just love playing with him,” head coach Bruce Pearl said in a statement. Holloway averaged 21.9 points as a junior at Matthews (N.C.) Covenant Day. He committed to the Plains in August and will spend his senior year at California’s Prolific Prep in Napa. 247Sports director of scouting Adam Finkelstein has raved about Holloway’s tendency to spread out a defense while noting he has to improve as a decision-maker at the point guard position. Holloway has the Tigers’ class ranked 58th nationwide, a year after having the 15th overall class with two of the highest-rated additions in program history: Yohan Traore and Chance Westry. Holloway is unlikely to be the lone signee on Pearl’s roster by the time the 2023 season tips off. Auburn is currently 2-0 with wins over George Mason and USF. The Tigers will host Winthrop on Tuesday at 6 p.m. More Tigers hoops: Auburn basketball moves up in AP poll after opening week Pearl: ‘There’s a chance’ freshman Chance Westry debuts vs. Winthrop Nick Alvarez is a reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @nick_a_alvarez or email him at NAlvarez@al.com. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation.