Hugh Freeze Returns: Auburn Tigers Officially Rehire Head Coach for Second Stint
In a move that has stirred both excitement and scrutiny, Auburn University officially announced the hiring of Hugh Freeze as the 31st head football coach in the program’s storied history on November 28, 2022. This appointment marks Freeze’s return to the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and a new chapter for Auburn football, aiming to restore its prominence on the national stage.
A Proven Track Record
Hugh Freeze brings a wealth of experience and a history of turning programs around. His coaching journey includes successful stints at Lambuth University, Arkansas State, Ole Miss, and most recently, Liberty University. At Liberty, Freeze compiled a 34–15 record over four seasons, leading the Flames to four bowl games and developing former Auburn quarterback Malik Willis into a top NFL prospect. (Auburn Tigers Athletics)
During his tenure at Ole Miss from 2012 to 2016, Freeze led the Rebels to back-to-back victories over Alabama in 2014 and 2015 and secured a Sugar Bowl win in 2015. His offensive acumen and ability to develop quarterback talent have been hallmarks of his coaching style. (CBSSports.com)
Embracing Auburn’s Culture
Freeze’s coaching philosophy aligns closely with Auburn’s values of community and tradition. Known for his offensive-minded strategies and commitment to developing players both on and off the field, Freeze emphasizes building a culture of hard work, unity, and resilience. His approach is not just about winning games but also about strengthening the pride and spirit of Auburn football.(GAME CHANGE)
“Auburn is one of the preeminent programs in college football,” Freeze said upon his hiring. “I’ve been fortunate to witness firsthand how special Auburn is during my time as a head coach in the SEC and while visiting my daughter Jordan who attended Auburn and currently lives in the community. I can’t wait to work with our student-athletes and the Auburn family to bring championships back to the Plains.” (ESPN.com, Auburn Tigers Athletics)
Navigating Past Controversies
Despite his on-field success, Freeze’s career has been marred by controversies. His resignation from Ole Miss in 2017 followed NCAA investigations into recruiting violations and personal misconduct. While at Liberty, he faced criticism for direct messaging a woman who had sued the university over sexual assault claims. Freeze has acknowledged his past mistakes and expressed a desire to move forward.
Auburn Athletic Director John Cohen emphasized that the decision to hire Freeze came after a “thoughtful, thorough, and well-vetted search,” highlighting Freeze’s fit in terms of student-athlete development, football strategy, recruiting, and SEC experience. (ESPN.com)
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
In his first season at Auburn in 2023, Freeze led the Tigers to a 6–7 record, including a loss in the Music City Bowl to Maryland. The 2024 season saw a decline, with Auburn finishing 5–7 and missing out on bowl eligibility. The team struggled offensively, ranking 13th in the SEC in scoring offense and committing 22 turnovers, tying them for 105th nationally.
Despite these challenges, Freeze has made strides in recruiting, securing a top-10 class in 2024 and ranking fifth for the 2025 cycle. His contract with Auburn is a six-year deal averaging $6.5 million annually, with a buyout clause of $20.3 million if terminated on December 1, 2024.
Building for the Future
As Auburn looks to rebound in the 2025 season, Freeze faces mounting pressure to deliver results. SEC Network analyst Paul Finebaum noted that Freeze has “one opportunity” left to prove his offensive acumen and turn the program around. With a new offensive coordinator, Derrick Nix, and a revamped coaching staff, the Tigers aim to break a streak of four consecutive losing seasons—their longest since 1946–1950.
Freeze’s return to the SEC and Auburn’s faith in his leadership underscore the high stakes involved. As the 2025 season approaches, the focus will be on whether Freeze can overcome past controversies and current challenges to restore Auburn’s football program to prominence.
