Auburn’s Coaching Change: Hugh Freeze Fired
The coaching carousel has become quite the spectacle, largely thanks to Auburn’s recent decision.
Hugh Freeze is officially out as head coach. His tenure lasted just three years, wrapping up with a disappointing 10-3 loss to Kentucky, prompting chants of “Fire Hugh” from frustrated fans in Jordan-Hare Stadium. With an overall record of 15-19 and only one bowl game, Freeze’s time on the Plains didn’t quite take off. Interestingly, he’ll walk away with a hefty $15.8 million as part of his departure package, adding to his previous earnings from the university. This firing marks Auburn as the 13th school to change coaches this season, and it’s noteworthy that they’ve now moved on from more coaches in the SEC during the same timeframe. The Tigers have not achieved a 10-win season since 2017 and are on the hunt for their third head coach after letting Gus Malzahn go in 2020.
Job security in college football can feel precarious. Yet, history shows that under the right conditions, programs can soar. Gene Chizik and Malzahn both experienced incredible success in the 2010s—so, maybe there’s hope for Auburn, though it feels a bit scattered right now.
As for the upcoming recruitment, there are several names circulating that Auburn might consider.
Sumrall stands out prominently. He’s gained significant buzz this cycle and many believe he could take the reins of an SEC program by 2026. With a solid background as an assistant in the SEC and a successful head coaching stint at Troy, his team won back-to-back Sun Belt championships. In fact, he was recognized for leading a defense that ranked No. 1 nationally. It’s been quite the journey for him, especially after moving to Tulane, where he guided them to an appearance in the American Championship Game last season.
What works in his favor is his deep roots in Alabama, which would be advantageous for recruiting both in high schools and the transfer portal. The past few years have seen some top-tier prospects slip away, largely due to issues during Freeze’s tenure. If Sumrall can retain some of that talent already in the program, he could potentially turnaround Auburn’s fortunes quickly, much like Texas A&M’s Mike Elko. However, the competition is fierce, and Auburn official will need to act promptly.
Reflecting on recent coaching departures, it seems like ages ago when Penn State parted ways with Franklin after a loss to Northwestern. The former Nittany Lion head coach has shared that he plans to return to coaching next season, and with his track record, several schools will no doubt be vying for his expertise. While there were issues with his performance in critical games, he has still impressively racked up over 120 wins and almost led his team to a national title game in recent years.
If Auburn is aiming for a coach with a consistent record of securing nine to ten wins annually, Franklin might be a viable candidate. Interestingly, he has previously been part of coaching changes that impacted Auburn coaches directly. If you can’t beat them, perhaps just bring them on board.
Another name to consider is Goresh, also enjoying a rising reputation in the Group of Five. His time at USF has shown promise, turning a struggling program around and driving them to bowl games, including a recent victory over Boise State. His offensive approach and player engagement make him an intriguing option for Auburn, should they miss out on Sumrall.
Seeking to leverage SEC experience, Auburn could reach out to Dan Mullen, who has a mixed record yet significant connections, particularly with Auburn’s athletic director. His time at Mississippi State and Florida showed some ups and downs, so the question remains: can he adapt and thrive again? If they can ensure a strong support system around him, this could be a partnership worth exploring.
There’s also the option of poaching talent from nearby Georgia Tech. The interim coach has successfully transformed the Yellow Jackets into a competitive force, particularly evident from their close encounters with Georgia over recent seasons. If Auburn desires a grounded coach who embodies a straightforward philosophy, he might be the answer.
On the younger end of the spectrum, Georgia’s DC Schumann is another name floating around. Starting his career as a graduate assistant at Alabama and working his way up, he contributed to the Georgia defense that secured back-to-back national championships. With the success of his previous counterpart, it’s possible Auburn might take a chance on Schumann, continuing a pattern in the storied rivalry between the two programs.
Lastly, Kiffin’s name always seems to resurface during coaching changes, and it wouldn’t be surprising if it pops up again. He was a top contender for the position in 2022 and chose to stay with Ole Miss. Now, given the Rebels’ standing as playoff contenders this year, it may be a tough sell to lure him back to Auburn. However, it could be worth a try to rekindle any lingering interest.
