Hugh Freeze, currently the head coach of Auburn University’s football team, has had a storied career in college football, filled with ups and downs. Known for his offensive strategies and coaching success at various universities, Freeze has made headlines both for his achievements and his controversies.
From his early days coaching Michael Oher in high school to his time at Ole Miss, where a scandal involving NCAA violations and personal misconduct made national news, Hugh Freeze’s journey has been anything but ordinary. Most recently, in 2024, he has found himself under scrutiny due to Auburn’s underperformance and the possibility of a hefty buyout.
Key Takeaways
- Hugh Freeze is the head coach at Auburn University, having joined in 2023.
- His coaching career includes success at Ole Miss but also scandals and controversies.
- Freeze’s contract at Auburn is worth $6.5 million annually with a significant buyout clause.
- He is from Oxford, Mississippi, and has coached notable players like Michael Oher.
Hugh Freeze’s Career at Auburn
Hugh Freeze was appointed as the head coach of Auburn’s football team in 2023. His hiring was initially met with excitement, thanks to his previous success at other universities. However, the 2024 season has been challenging for Freeze, with the team struggling to meet expectations. Discussions of a potential buyout have started to swirl as the team’s performance continues to dip.
Freeze’s Coaching Philosophy
Known for his offensive schemes, Hugh Freeze has always been regarded as a coach who can get the best out of his players. His coaching strategies have been praised in the past, particularly during his successful runs at smaller schools like Arkansas State and Liberty University. However, the pressure at a larger program like Auburn has been intense, and his team’s recent struggles have raised questions about his future.
Hugh Freeze’s Time at Ole Miss – Success and Scandal
From 2012 to 2016, Hugh Freeze coached at Ole Miss, where he led the team to significant victories, including notable wins against top-ranked opponents. However, his tenure ended abruptly in 2017 following a scandal involving recruiting violations and personal misconduct.
The Ole Miss Scandal
The scandal that led to Hugh Freeze’s resignation from Ole Miss was rooted in multiple NCAA violations. The university faced sanctions due to improper recruiting activities. Additionally, personal misconduct came to light when it was revealed that Freeze had used a university-issued phone to call escort services, further damaging his reputation and leading to his eventual departure.
Hugh Freeze’s Health Challenges
In 2019, while coaching at Liberty University, Hugh Freeze made headlines for an unusual reason: he coached a game from a hospital bed. Freeze was dealing with a severe staph infection but was determined to fulfill his duties as coach. His decision to coach while hospitalized was widely discussed and became a memorable moment in his career.
Hugh Freeze’s Contract and Salary at Auburn
Hugh Freeze signed a lucrative seven-year contract with Auburn, earning $6.5 million annually. His contract includes significant buyout clauses, which have become a topic of discussion in 2024 as Auburn’s performance has faltered. Should Auburn choose to fire Freeze, the buyout is expected to exceed $20 million, a hefty sum that complicates the decision for the university.
The Personal Side of Hugh Freeze – Family and Early Life
Hugh Freeze was born in Oxford, Mississippi, and has deep roots in the state. He is married to Jill Freeze, and together they have three daughters. His family has stood by him through both his coaching successes and the controversies that have surrounded his career.
Coaching Michael Oher
Before gaining national recognition as a college football coach, Hugh Freeze coached Michael Oher, the subject of the famous movie “The Blind Side.” Freeze was Oher’s high school coach at Briarcrest Christian School, and their story was later immortalized in both the book and the film.
| Key Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Position | Head Coach, Auburn University (since 2023) |
| Previous Positions | Head Coach at Liberty University, Ole Miss, Arkansas State |
| Major Scandal | NCAA violations and personal misconduct at Ole Miss |
| Annual Salary | $6.5 million at Auburn |
| Buyout Clause | Exceeds $20 million if fired |
| Hometown | Oxford, Mississippi |
| Family | Wife: Jill Freeze; Three daughters |
| Famous Players Coached | Michael Oher (High School) |
FAQs
Where is Hugh Freeze from?
Hugh Freeze is from Oxford, Mississippi.
What was Hugh Freeze’s scandal at Ole Miss?
Hugh Freeze was involved in a scandal at Ole Miss that included NCAA recruiting violations and personal misconduct, leading to his resignation in 2017.
What is Hugh Freeze’s salary at Auburn?
Hugh Freeze’s salary at Auburn University is $6.5 million annually.
What happened during Hugh Freeze’s time in the hospital?
In 2019, while coaching at Liberty University, Hugh Freeze suffered from a severe staph infection and coached a game from a hospital bed.
What is the status of Hugh Freeze at Auburn in 2024?
As of 2024, Hugh Freeze is facing scrutiny due to Auburn’s poor performance, with discussions about a potential buyout of his contract.
Who is Hugh Freeze’s wife?
Hugh Freeze is married to Jill Freeze, and they have three daughters.
What is Hugh Freeze’s overall coaching record?
Hugh Freeze has an overall coaching record of 82-57 across various teams, including Auburn, Ole Miss, and Liberty University.
This article provides a comprehensive look at Hugh Freeze’s career, highlighting both his accomplishments and the challenges he has faced throughout his coaching journey.