Auburn University has dismissed head coach Hugh Freeze following a disappointing season, marking him as the fourth head coach in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) to be relieved of his duties in recent weeks. The decision came on November 5, 2023, just a day after the Tigers suffered a disheartening 10–3 loss at home to Kentucky, which dropped their overall record to 4–6.
Defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin will take over as interim head coach for the remainder of the season. Freeze’s tenure at Auburn concludes with a record of 15–19 overall and just 6–16 in SEC play. His exit will cost the university approximately $15.8 million due to a buyout clause in the six-year contract he signed when he was hired in late 2022.
What began as a hopeful turnaround under Freeze has devolved into one of frustration for the program. Auburn has now lost 14 of their last 18 games against Power Five opponents. The team’s offense, once a source of pride, ranks among the lowest in the conference. In recent weeks, Auburn managed only 177 yards in a 16–10 defeat at Texas A&M, 40 yards in the second half of a 20–10 loss to Georgia, and a mere three points against Kentucky.
In the aftermath of the Kentucky game, Freeze reflected on the challenges he faced, noting, “I wish I could ask for patience, but that’s not something people want to give in this day and time — and I understand that.” Fans at Jordan-Hare Stadium chanted “Fire Hugh” during the match, demonstrating their dissatisfaction with the team’s performance.
Once considered one of the most formidable home-field advantages in college football, Jordan-Hare Stadium has lost its reputation under Freeze’s leadership. The Tigers recorded a disappointing 7–11 home record against Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) opponents, suffering defeats to teams such as New Mexico State, California, Arkansas, Vanderbilt, and Kentucky.
As Auburn moves forward, the focus will be on how they can rebound from this tumultuous period and restore the program to its former glory. The interim period under Durkin will be critical, as the team seeks to finish the season strong and lay the groundwork for future success.
