The hot seat just got hotter for college football coaches across the nation, and Auburn’s Hugh Freeze is squarely in the spotlight. With three consecutive losses under his belt, the question on everyone’s mind is: Can Freeze survive this season? But here’s where it gets controversial—despite the mounting pressure, Auburn Athletic Director John Cohen seems to be standing by his coach, at least for now.
In a recent interview, Cohen addressed the swirling rumors about Freeze’s future after a disappointing home loss to Georgia. While he didn’t rule out the possibility of a change—stating the classic ‘never say never’—he made it clear that his current expectation is for Freeze to see out the 2025 season and return in 2026. Cohen used an intriguing analogy to explain his stance: ‘I don’t know if my car will start when I walk outside, but I expect it will. If it doesn’t start enough, I’ll evaluate and make decisions. But that’s not my expectation for our football program right now.’
So, what’s Cohen’s thought process behind this decision? He breaks it down into four critical questions: Is the team still buying into Freeze’s vision? Are they recruiting the right student-athletes, both from high schools and the transfer portal? Are the players improving? And, most importantly, are they giving their all on the field? These are the benchmarks Cohen uses to evaluate any program, and Freeze’s tenure is no exception.
But this is the part most people miss—Freeze’s record at Auburn isn’t exactly stellar. Since taking over, he’s posted a 14-17 overall record and a concerning 5-14 against SEC opponents. Yet, he’s asked for patience, emphasizing the need to build the roster through recruiting and strategic transfers. And to his credit, recruiting hasn’t been an issue—Freeze has secured back-to-back top-10 classes according to Rivals Industry Team Rankings.
As Auburn heads into a crucial matchup against Missouri with a 3-3 record, the pressure is on. All three losses have come in SEC play, and frustrations are bubbling over, particularly with questionable officiating calls. And the schedule doesn’t get any easier. After Mizzou, the Tigers face three more ranked opponents, including a massive Iron Bowl against Alabama at home. Tough road games against Arkansas and home matchups against Kentucky and Mercer round out a challenging slate.
Here’s the million-dollar question: Is Cohen’s patience with Freeze justified, or is it time for a change? With recruiting success but lackluster on-field results, Freeze’s future remains a hot topic of debate. What do you think? Is Freeze the right coach to lead Auburn, or should the program look elsewhere? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments—this is one discussion you won’t want to miss!
