Archive · 3 Nov 2025
Hugh Freeze Fired as Auburn Football Eyes New Head Coach Amid Coaching Search
Auburn University fired its football coach, Hugh Freeze, because the team wasn't winning enough games.
He was hired two years ago, but the team had a losing record and didn't score many points.
The university wants a coach who can win championships.
They have named a temporary coach for the rest of the season while they look for a new, permanent coach.
Some famous coaches are being considered, like Jimbo Fisher and James Franklin.
Auburn has had many coaches in recent years and wants someone who can bring stability and help the team win again.
Auburn University has fired head coach Hugh Freeze after a 15–19 overall record and 6–15 SEC record during his tenure.
The decision comes after Auburn's 31–17 loss to Kentucky, which dropped the team to 3–6 this season and out of bowl contention.
Defensive coordinator DJ Durkin has been named interim head coach for the remainder of the season.
The university aims to hire a coach who can lead Auburn football to compete for championships and restore its standard.
Potential candidates for the head coaching position include Jimbo Fisher, James Franklin, Eli Drinkwitz, Jon Sumrall, and Kenny Dillingham, among others.
- Who
- Auburn University
- What
- Fired head coach Hugh Freeze
- When
- Saturday night, less than 24 hours after a loss to Kentucky
- Where
- Auburn, Alabama
- Why
- Midway through his third season with a losing record, inability to compete for championships, and lack of offensive identity.
Focus on Winning Now
Focus on Long-Term Building
University's Goal for New Coach
Focus on Winning Now
Athletic Director John Cohen stated that "Auburn football must compete for championships" and that the university owes it to its stakeholders "to restore the standard."
Focus on Long-Term Building
One SEC administrator told Sports Illustrated that Auburn needs "a builder, not a band-aid" and "someone who can rebuild the culture from within."
Ideal Candidate Profile
Focus on Winning Now
The search includes highly experienced coaches with championship pedigrees like Jimbo Fisher, known for his national title at FSU and recruiting prowess.
Focus on Long-Term Building
Emphasis is also placed on coaches who can bring stability and rebuild the program, such as Jon Sumrall, known for quick turnarounds, and a need for someone to "rebuild the culture from within."
- Head Coach Fired
- Hugh Freeze
- Interim Head Coach
- DJ Durkin
- Freeze's Record at Auburn
- 15–19 overall, 6–15 SEC
- Auburn's Current Season Record
- 3–6
- Freeze's Buyout
- $12.5 million