Auburn Fires Freeze Amidst SEC Struggles

AUBURN, Ala. – Auburn University’s storied football program has officially parted ways with head coach Hugh Freeze, effective Sunday, November 24, 2024. The decision comes on the heels of the Tigers’ latest disappointing defeat, a 34-10 road loss to No. 5 Georgia on Saturday, which plunged Auburn’s Southeastern Conference record under Freeze to a dismal 3-12 in his last 15 league matchups.

The university’s Athletic Director, John Cohen, confirmed the move in a statement released Sunday afternoon. “This was not a decision made lightly, but after careful consideration of the program’s direction and performance, we determined a change was necessary to uphold the standard of excellence expected at Auburn,” Cohen stated. “We thank Coach Freeze for his efforts and wish him and his family the best in their future endeavors.” University President Christopher B. Roberts echoed Cohen’s sentiments, emphasizing the institution’s commitment to competitive football.

Freeze, 55, was hired by Auburn on November 29, 2022, after a successful stint at Liberty University. His tenure on the Plains concludes with an overall record of 8-14. In his first full season in 2023, the Tigers finished 6-7, including a 3-5 mark in SEC play, culminating in a loss to Maryland in the Music City Bowl. The 2024 season proved even more challenging, with Auburn currently holding a 2-7 record, including a 0-7 start in the SEC, placing significant pressure on Freeze ahead of the Georgia game. The string of losses, particularly within the conference, highlighted a growing chasm between program expectations and on-field results.

The struggles in the fiercely competitive SEC were a primary factor in the decision. The statistic of 12 losses in the last 15 conference games underscored a consistent inability to compete effectively against league rivals, a performance level deemed unacceptable for a program with two national championships and a rich tradition of success.

Freeze’s career has been marked by both on-field success and off-field controversy. Prior to Auburn, he led Liberty to a 34-15 record over four seasons. His most notable Power Five coaching role was at Ole Miss from 2012-2016, where he amassed a 39-25 record and secured two Sugar Bowl appearances, including a victory in 2016. However, his tenure at Ole Miss ended abruptly in July 2017 amid an NCAA investigation into recruiting violations and following revelations of a pattern of personal misconduct, including phone calls made to an escort service. Freeze resigned from Ole Miss citing “moral failings.” He later served a two-game suspension at Liberty in 2019 stemming from the NCAA sanctions related to his time at Ole Miss.

For Auburn, a program deeply rooted in the fabric of collegiate football in Alabama, the decision signifies a renewed pursuit of consistent contention in the SEC West and on the national stage. The university is known for its passionate fanbase and intense rivalries, particularly against Alabama in the Iron Bowl and Georgia in the Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry. The recent lack of competitiveness in these crucial games also contributed to the administration’s evaluation.

Auburn offensive coordinator Kent Austin has been named the interim head coach for the remainder of the 2024 season. A national search for Freeze’s successor will commence immediately, with the university’s leadership signaling an intention to move swiftly but thoroughly to identify a candidate who can restore the program to its former glory. Freeze’s contract, which reportedly guaranteed him approximately $6.5 million annually over six years, is expected to include a buyout clause, the specifics of which have not yet been disclosed by the university.

Further updates regarding the coaching search and interim staff are expected to be announced via Auburn Athletics’ official channels.