Auburn Moves On: Five Coaches to Replace Hugh Freeze

Auburn University has officially severed ties with head coach Hugh Freeze, following a challenging three-season tenure that culminated in a 15–19 record. The announcement came from athletics director John Cohen on Sunday, marking a pivotal moment for the Southeastern Conference (SEC) school. Freeze’s termination includes a substantial buyout of $15.44 million, highlighting the ongoing trend of significant financial commitments as the 2025 coaching carousel begins to take shape.

As Auburn looks to the future, five potential candidates have emerged to fill the coaching vacancy. Each candidate brings a unique set of experiences and connections within the college football landscape.

Potential Candidates to Lead Auburn Football

Jimbo Fisher, the former head coach of Texas A&M, is a prominent name in discussions about Freeze’s successor. Fisher, who previously led Florida State to a national championship, boasts deep connections to the SEC, having served as Auburn’s quarterbacks coach in the 1990s. His experience at Texas A&M from 2018 to 2023 adds to his credentials as a potential fit for the Tigers.

Another candidate, James Franklin, recently parted ways with Penn State, where he led the team to a College Football Playoff semifinal appearance last season. Despite speculation linking him to the Virginia Tech opening, Auburn officials are expected to explore his interest in the head coaching position. Franklin’s background in the SEC, including a previous stint as head coach at Vanderbilt, positions him as a strong contender.

The coaching search also includes Alex Golesh, currently at the helm of South Florida. Golesh has gained attention as a rising star, having served as the offensive coordinator and tight ends coach at Tennessee before taking the head coaching role at South Florida. His overall record stands at 20-14, with the Bulls currently boasting a 6-2 record and a chance to secure a spot in the upcoming 12-team College Football Playoff.

Another noteworthy candidate is Brent Key, head coach at Georgia Tech. Having grown up in Alabama, Key has intimate knowledge of the region’s football culture. His tenure at Georgia Tech has yielded a 26-17 record, and despite a recent loss, the Yellow Jackets are 8-1, with aspirations for an Atlantic Coast Conference championship and a playoff berth.

Lastly, Jon Sumrall, the head coach at Tulane, has strong ties to the SEC as well. A former linebacker at Kentucky, Sumrall has held various coaching positions, including at Ole Miss. During his time at Troy, he achieved an impressive 23-4 record and has continued his success at Tulane with a 15-7 record thus far, positioning the Green Wave as a contender for the College Football Playoff in 2025.

As Auburn navigates this transitional phase in its football program, the decision on Freeze’s successor will be critical for the school’s aspirations in the competitive SEC landscape. The coaching search is set to intensify as the Tigers aim to build a stronger future on the gridiron.