Auburn running back coach Carnell “Cadillac” Williams and secondary coach Zac Etheridge have both stepped down from their positions within the program.

Williams, 41, coached Auburn’s tailbacks for the last five seasons under three different coaches. The former first-round pick also served as Auburn’s interim coach for the final four games of the 2022 season following Bryan Harsin’s firing. He went 2-2 with a win over Texas A&M and then remained on staff once Hugh Freeze took over.

“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,” Williams said in a statement. “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.”

In a statement, Freeze thanked Williams for helping the program through a time of transition and said “I respect his decision.”

Then, on Friday morning, Etheridge left the staff as well.

“I want to thank the entire Auburn Family for the last three years,” Etheridge said in a statement released on social media. “It’s been a dream coaching at my alma mater, but I’m excited and ready for the next chapter to further my career. I love Auburn with all my heart and have no doubt that the program will flourish under Coach Freeze’s leadership. Above all, I want to say thank you to my players. It’s truly been an honor and a blessing to develop Auburn men on and off the field while building lifelong relationships.”

Etheridge, a former safety for the Tigers, returned to Auburn in 2021 on Harsin’s staff. He was also retained by Freeze during the transition.

247Sports’ Matt Zenitz reported on Friday morning that Houston is expected to hire Etheridge.