Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze has been diagnosed with a “early form” of prostate cancer, the university said in a statement Friday.
“Thankfully, it was detected early and his doctor advised it was very treatable and treatable,” a statement posted to X read. “He is expected to continue his normal coaching duties and responsibilities and complete recovery with proper treatment in the future.
“Coach Freeze is extremely grateful to our health professionals and urged him to use his experience to remind us of the importance of prioritizing and scheduling annual health checks.”
Auburn revealed Freeze's diagnosis a month before the Tigers began spring practice on March 25th, according to ESPN.
The 55-year-old Freeze has coached at the college level since taking over as Ole Miss tight end coach and recruitment coordinator in 2006, and after spending four seasons as head coach for Liberty, he took over at Auburn for his 2023 campaign.
When making her coaching debut with The Flames in 2019, Freeze issued a review for coaching from a hospital bed in Liberty Press Box, due to surgery for hernia disc and STAPH infection.
He was also the head coach of Arkansas Lambas and Ole Miss. His stint ended as a rebel coach when he resigned in the wake of a scandal that included a call for escort services.
Auburn went 6-7 during their first season with the Tigers, and their season was defeated by Maryland in the Music City Bowl.
The Freeze and the Tigers won three of their last five games in 2024. 15 Texas A&M – But they couldn't overcome the slow start of the SEC schedule when Auburn dropped their first four conference games.
“Our kids have been fighting all year round,” Freeze said after beating the Aggies. According to the university's athletics website. “give [Texas A&M] Credit for what you're back, but give your kids credit. We are excited to be able to go out to become such a victory in our final game at Jordan Hare Stadium. ”
The Tigers will open the 2025 Slate at Baylor before returning to Host Ball State and South Alabama.
