Auburn University made a big decision this Sunday, firing head football coach Hugh Freeze after a tough 10-3 defeat to Kentucky. This ending follows a controversial hiring just under three years ago, which raised eyebrows from the start.
When Auburn brought Freeze on board in early 2023, many were wary due to his past. He faced scrutiny over NCAA violations from his time at Ole Miss and questions about his behavior on social media during his time at Liberty. Still, Auburn saw potential in Freeze, hoping he could replicate his previous success.
Sadly, that hope didn’t translate to results at Auburn. Currently, the team sits at 4-5, with a disappointing 1-5 record in the SEC. This leaves Freeze with a final record of 15-19 at Auburn. His time was marked by some heartbreaking losses, particularly against rivals and strong teams like Georgia and Alabama. However, what likely sealed his fate was the loss to Kentucky, a team that had been struggling with a 10-game SEC losing streak.
Auburn’s athletic director, John Cohen, announced the change, calling Freeze a man of integrity. He emphasized the need for Auburn Football to compete for championships consistently. “The search for the next leader of Auburn Football begins immediately,” he stated.
Defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin has now stepped in as the interim head coach. Durkin has had a mixed past; he was previously head coach at Maryland but was let go after some serious controversies, including an investigation into the team’s culture following a tragic incident.
This shake-up marks Auburn’s search for its third full-time coach since firing Gus Malzahn after the 2020 season. Bryan Harsin had a brief tenure, and Cadillac Williams stepped in temporarily, generating some buzz. However, Cohen focused on Freeze primarily for his previous coaching record, which boasted a 76-47 overall record across four schools, including a strong run at Ole Miss.
Freeze’s first season was a small step up, finishing 6-7 compared to the prior year’s 5-7. Unfortunately, the season ended on a low note, and the following year saw a decline to 5-7. This past summer was marked by reports of Freeze spending more time golfing than recruiting, raising concerns about the program’s direction.
Despite some early season optimism, especially after bringing in valuable players like quarterback Jackson Arnold from Oklahoma, the Tigers struggled. They lost several close games and now sit with a 3-13 record in games decided by 10 points or fewer.
As Auburn moves ahead, it faces a hefty $15.7 million buyout for Freeze, which will be paid in monthly installments until 2028. This was part of a six-year contract worth $39 million.
The situation at Auburn reflects a broader trend in college football, where expectations are high, and quick changes are commonplace. With every new coach, there’s hope for quick turnaround, but the pressure is relentless. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see who Auburn turns to next. For insight into college football coaching changes, check out this report from ESPN.
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Auburn Tigers, College Football
