🏈 BREAKING: Hugh Freeze Announces Retirement From Auburn Football — Leaves Door Open for Return
AUBURN, Ala. — June 21, 2025
In a stunning development, Auburn head football coach Hugh Freeze announced his retirement on Saturday, citing ongoing health concerns and a desire to refocus on personal well-being. The announcement comes just weeks before the Tigers were set to enter fall camp for the 2025 college football season.
“This isn’t a decision I’ve made lightly,” Freeze said in a press conference at Jordan-Hare Stadium. “After prayer, conversations with my family, and consultation with my medical team, I believe it’s time for me to step away from the sidelines — at least for now.”
Freeze, 55, revealed in February that he had been diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer. Though his condition was deemed treatable and non-aggressive, Freeze said the emotional and physical toll of treatment, coupled with the demands of leading an SEC program, led him to reevaluate his future.
🚨 Leaves Possibility for Return
While announcing his departure, Freeze was clear that this may not be a permanent goodbye.
“I’m not closing the door on coaching forever,” he said. “If my health improves and the right situation presents itself — perhaps even here at Auburn — I’d be open to returning in some capacity. But right now, I need to prioritize my health and family.”
🏟️ Auburn’s Immediate Plans
Auburn Athletic Director John Cohen confirmed that assistant head coach Willie Freeze (Hugh’s younger brother and former Liberty OC) will serve as interim head coach for the 2025 season.
“We fully support Coach Freeze in this decision,” Cohen said. “His leadership, integrity, and faith have left a lasting impact on this program. While we’ll begin evaluating long-term options, our immediate focus is on supporting our players through this transition.”
📊 Legacy at Auburn
Freeze leaves Auburn with a record of 11–14 over two seasons, including 5–11 in SEC play. Despite mixed results, he was widely credited with stabilizing a program that had undergone frequent turnover in recent years.
His departure marks Auburn’s third head coaching change in six years — a sign of the high stakes and volatility in the modern SEC landscape.
🗣️ Player Reaction
Team leaders expressed their support following the announcement. Senior quarterback Hank Brown called Freeze “a man who genuinely cared about us — not just as players, but as people.”