AUBURN — Hugh Freeze has been hired as Auburn’s next football coach, the institution announced Monday evening.“Auburn is one of the premier programmes in college football, and I’m grateful to President (Chris) Roberts and (athletics director) John Cohen for this opportunity,” Freeze said in a statement. “During my time in the SEC and while visiting my daughter Jordan, who attended Auburn and now lives in the town, I’ve had the opportunity to observe firsthand how amazing Auburn is.”
Hugh Freeze has been hired as the next coach of Auburn football.
“I am excited to work with our student-athletes and the Auburn family to return titles to the Plains.”Freeze leaves Liberty after leading the Flames to a 34-15 record in four seasons. He takes over for Bryan Harsin, who was sacked on Oct. 31 after a 9-12 record in less than two seasons with the Tigers. Freeze is Cohen’s first hire, having been named the new AD on the same day Harsin was fired.
“We ended where we started, with Hugh Freeze, after a serious, rigorous, and well-vetted search,” Cohen said in a statement. “Hugh was the best fit out of all the individuals we considered. Student-athlete development, football strategy, recruiting, and SEC experience were the most critical variables in determining fit.”
Hugh Freeze has been hired as the next coach of Auburn football.
According to Sports Illustrated’s Ross Dellenger, who first reported the hire, Auburn will repay Liberty about $3 million in buyout money for hiring Freeze while he is still under contract with the Flames. Later, ESPN’s Pete Thamel stated that Freeze’s contract with the Plains is for six years and is worth approximately $6.5 million per year.