The pressure is on for college football coaches as the season heats up, and Auburn's Hugh Freeze is no exception. With a recent string of losses, the spotlight is on his future with the team.
But here's the twist: Auburn's athletic director, John Cohen, doesn't seem ready to pull the trigger just yet. Despite the team's struggles, Cohen expressed optimism about Freeze's position, stating that he expects the coach to see out the 2025 season and return for 2026. A bold statement, considering the current circumstances.
Cohen, in a recent interview with AL.com, provided an intriguing analogy: "I don't know if my car will start when I go outside, but I think it will." He further explained that if his car consistently failed to start, he would re-evaluate and make necessary decisions. However, he doesn't foresee such a scenario for the football program at this stage.
The AD's decision-making process is intriguing. He outlined his criteria for assessing the team's progress, which includes player buy-in, recruitment of the right student-athletes, player development, and effort. These factors, according to Cohen, are the template for success.
And now, the Tigers face a crucial game against Missouri with a 3-3 record. The team has experienced SEC setbacks after a promising start, and officiating decisions have added to their on-field frustrations.
The road ahead is challenging, with ranked opponents like Vanderbilt and a highly anticipated Iron Bowl against Alabama. The Tigers will also face Arkansas away and host Kentucky and Mercer.
Freeze's overall record at Auburn stands at 14-17, with a 5-14 SEC record. He has emphasized the need for patience, focusing on building the roster through recruiting and the NCAA transfer portal. Interestingly, recruiting has been a bright spot for Freeze, with consecutive top-10 classes.
So, is Auburn's faith in Freeze justified? Will he turn the team's fortunes around? Or is this the calm before the storm? The coming weeks will be telling, and fans are sure to have their own opinions. What's your take on this situation?
