Former Ole Miss, Liberty coach Hugh Freeze hired as Auburn’s coach

Freeze inherits program coming off 5-7 season

New Auburn coach brings success, baggage

Hugh Freeze, who was fired by Ole Miss in 2017 after an NCAA investigation uncovered that he’d made numerous phone calls to escort services while working there, is back in the SEC, this time as the head coach at Auburn.

The 53-year-old Freeze was introduced Monday as Auburn’s 31st head coach. He replaces Bryan Harsin, who was fired in October after going 9-12 in two seasons.

Freeze has a 71-44 record as a head coach at the collegiate level, including a 39-25 mark in four seasons at Ole Miss. He also led Liberty to a 33-19 record in four seasons.

Freeze’s hiring is a risky move for Auburn. He’s a proven winner on the field, but his off-field issues could be a major distraction for the program.

In addition to the NCAA investigation, Freeze was also accused of sexual harassment by a former Ole Miss employee in 2019.

Auburn athletic director John Cohen said he’s confident that Freeze has learned from his past mistakes and is committed to being a positive role model for the Auburn community.

"Hugh Freeze is a proven winner who has a track record of success both on and off the field," Cohen said. "He's a man of character who is committed to our student-athletes and to the Auburn family."

Freeze said he’s grateful for the opportunity to coach at Auburn and is looking forward to building a winning program.

"I'm excited to be here and I'm ready to get to work," Freeze said. "I believe that we can build a championship program here at Auburn and I'm committed to doing everything I can to make that happen."