Lane Kiffin would greatly appreciate if people would stop calling him about Auburn’s mass coaching exodus and how it could impact his staff. All of the smoke is exactly that— smoke.
Hugh Freeze has seen a lot of changeover in the last week or so. Defensive backs coach Zac Etheridge resigned. Running backs coach and Tigers legend Cadillac Williams stepped down. Defensive coordinator Ron Roberts is out after one season. Offensive coordinator Phillip Montgomery was fired.
It was announced that Freeze is going to assume play-calling duties next year, which will be fun!
In the meantime, Auburn’s second-year head coach needs to fill the four open positions. There have been a lot of rumors about potential hires. Williams was perhaps the biggest surprise.
After taking time to pray and reflect, I have made the decision to resign from my position with Auburn football to pursue other opportunities. I love Auburn, the players and AU family with all my heart, but this decision is what is best for me, my wife and sons. I am extremely grateful for the coaching opportunity given to me first by coach Malzahn and most recently by coach Freeze. These past five years on the Plains have been nothing short of incredible. Auburn is and always will be a special part of my life. War Eagle!
— Cadillac Williams in a statement
The former All-American running back and interim head coach’s stunning departure from his alma mater sent shockwaves across the Plains. And then the chatter began about his replacement.
Current Ole Miss wide receivers coach Derrick Nix was immediately linked to the Tigers. He is rumored to be leading candidate to fill the vacancies left by Montgomery and Williams as the offensive coordinator and running backs coach after previously coaching the position under Freeze during his tenure in Oxford.
AL.com reported it. As did Phillip Dukes of 247 Sports, among others.
Lane Kiffin was fed up on Friday night. He set the record straight with a post on X.
Nix is in Oxford. The Rebels staff was reviewing tape of former Virginia Tech defensive back Dae’Quan Wright, who is currently in north Mississippi for a visit as someone currently in the transfer portal.
You heard the man… quit calling!
Things could change, sure, but for Kiffin to post that tweet makes it pretty clear where things stand. Nix has been at Ole Miss for 16 years!