With all of the changes Bryan Harsin has made to the Auburn football coaching staff, the hardest loss on fans has been that of linebackers coach Travis Williams.
There was #StopSteele. Then there was #BlockBrad. Now, Auburn football has a new hashtag from the Tigers Twitter community:
#RetainTWill
Travis Williams, the team’s linebackers coach from 2016 to now, cannot go anywhere.
Williams has been replaced by Bryan Harsin’s defensive coordinator at Boise State, Jeff Schmedding, per Adam Rittenberg:
Sources: #Auburn will hire #BoiseState defensive coordinator Jeff Schmedding, who has worked under Harsin the past two seasons, to coach linebackers. Schmedding also likely will be the team's co-defensive coordinator. https://t.co/OuJEdt4N6E
— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) January 7, 2021
While the Schmedding hire is a solid one, with continuity being a key to Auburn being at a competitive disadvantage installing a new head coaching staff in the middle of a pandemic, Williams is not one Tigers Twitter–or Fly War Eagle–want to see go.
As is FWE’s creed, former Auburn football stars will always be treasured, and Williams has overseen several dominant defensive units, including the 2018 team that saw Deshaun Davis make it to the NFL in the sixth round of the 2019 draft.
Not only do I not want to see him go, but neither do you:
TWill is capable of coaching DBs. Not saying it's going to happen but man he's one I really didn't want to lose.
— Barning Knight (@BarningKnight) January 7, 2021
I guess I’m about to put on my war clothes for Coach T Will
— AUBURN SUPERFAN #2 (@MichaelFloyd_AU) January 7, 2021
you twill could stay as a defensive analyst , so you never know what part he could play - remember he is an auburn man
— FREEZINGINAUBURN (@bignizo) January 7, 2021
Welcome to the plains Derek Mason! Now start recruiting.....NOW! Oh and keep Travis Williams. Thanks. #auburn #auburnfootball #hired #keeptwil #coach #defense @thewarrapport @CeasearWalker @githeartist
— Mike G. (@mikegittens) January 7, 2021
In any capacity possible, please Auburn football, keep Travis Williams on the Plains.