Auburn dismisses Hugh Freeze, Williams interim coach

**Auburn University Fires Head Coach Hugh Freeze Amid Disappointing Season; Cadillac Williams Takes Interim Helm**

**AUBURN, Ala.** – Auburn University announced Monday, October 24, 2022, it has fired head football coach Hugh Freeze, effective immediately. The decision comes after a tumultuous start to the season saw the Tigers slip to a 3-5 overall record and a disappointing 1-5 mark in Southeastern Conference play, making his overall tenure on the Plains 15-19.

The move concludes Freeze’s nearly three seasons leading the Auburn program, a run that consistently fell short of the lofty expectations synonymous with the tradition-rich university. The team’s struggles, particularly a lack of offensive consistency and a string of losses to key SEC rivals, ultimately sealed his fate.

“This was a difficult but necessary decision,” Auburn Athletic Director John Cohen said in a statement released Monday evening. “We appreciate Coach Freeze’s efforts and dedication to our program. However, after a thorough evaluation of the program’s trajectory and performance, we determined that a change in leadership was necessary to move forward and achieve our goals.”

Freeze, who was hired in early 2020 after the university parted ways with Gus Malzahn, arrived on the Plains with both a reputation as an offensive innovator and a past clouded by NCAA sanctions and personal conduct issues from his time at Ole Miss. While his hiring was met with some skepticism, hopes were high that he could reignite a program known for competing for national championships.

However, consistency proved elusive under Freeze. His teams struggled to gain traction in the fiercely competitive SEC West, failing to register a winning conference record in any of his seasons. This year’s 1-5 SEC start, including recent lopsided losses, reportedly intensified pressure on university leadership to make a change. Sources close to the program indicated that a significant buyout was negotiated as part of the separation agreement.

Former Auburn running back and current associate head coach Cadillac Williams will step in as the interim head coach for the remainder of the season. Williams, an Auburn legend and beloved figure among the fan base, will guide the Tigers starting with their upcoming matchup.

“I have tremendous faith in Cadillac Williams to lead this team with passion and integrity,” Cohen added. “He understands the Auburn standard, and I know our players will rally around him during this transition.”

Williams, a former first-round NFL draft pick and a key player on Auburn’s undefeated 2004 team, has been a popular and respected figure within the coaching staff. His immediate challenge will be to rally a demoralized team and prepare them for a tough remaining schedule, which includes traditional rivalry games.

The firing of Freeze marks another chapter in what has been a period of significant coaching turnover for Auburn, a program that demands competitiveness at the highest level of college football. The university is expected to launch a national search for its next head coach immediately, seeking a leader who can restore consistency, contend for championships, and navigate the complex landscape of SEC football.

Auburn’s next game is scheduled for Saturday, October 29, at Jordan-Hare Stadium.