Hugh Freeze: A Controversial Figure in College Football

The Rise and Fall of a Head Coach

Born on September 27, 1969, Hugh Freeze is an American football coach who has made a name for himself due to his on-field success and off-field controversies.

A Successful Start

Freeze's coaching career began at Ole Miss in 2012, where he led the Rebels to a bowl game in his first season. Over the next five years, he established a winning culture at the university, finishing with a 39-25 record and leading the team to two Sugar Bowl appearances.

Personal Scandals

However, Freeze's tenure at Ole Miss was also marked by controversy. In 2016, he was suspended for multiple phone calls made to a university employee's wife. This incident, along with other allegations of misconduct, led to his resignation in July 2017.

Coaching Redemption

After his departure from Ole Miss, Freeze spent two seasons as the head coach at Liberty University, a small Christian school. He quickly turned the program into a powerhouse, winning multiple bowl games and finishing with a 20-6 record.

Return to Powerhouse Football

In November 2022, Auburn University announced that Freeze would become its 31st head football coach. The move sparked mixed reactions, with some praising his coaching skills and others expressing concerns about his past behavior.

Upside and Risk

Freeze's hiring at Auburn is a gamble for the university. While he has the potential to bring success to the football program, his history of scandals casts a shadow over his tenure. Only time will tell if Freeze can overcome his past and lead Auburn to greatness or if his coaching career will be derailed once again.