Charles Barkley sends strong message on support for Auburn football’s Hugh Freeze

The Auburn football program has entered a new era under head coach Hugh Freeze, with lots of excitement surrounding the approaching fall season. Once upon a time, Bryan Hardin found himself in a similar situation on the Plains, with fans excited for a breath of fresh air in the program.

Obviously, that didn’t last long. Soon it became apparent that the former Boise State coach was in over his head, and he struggled in nearly every aspect of the job, from facing the public to recruiting to on-field success for the team. Not to mention the questionable scandal last February that resulted in a full-on investigation. After two years of mediocrity, fans were not too unhappy to see him fired towards the end of the 2022 season.

However, things are already different with Hugh Freeze. He hit the ground running with recruiting, and went straight from the class of 2023 into building the class of 2024. He is working to set a new standard on the Plains, and find athletes that will meet these standards and elevate the program.

So far Freeze has demonstrated that he actually wants the Auburn job, and he wants to take Auburn football to the next level and turn them into a championship team again. Charles Barkley commented on the situation, noting that fans have got to be all-in on Freeze, per the Montgomery Advertiser:

"“Very disappointed (in) the way we treated coach Harsin. But now we got coach Freeze. They’ve got to get behind him 100%. I talked to him a couple times; he knows I’m always on his speed dial if he ever needs anything, and I’m excited. I think under the circumstances he did good recruiting-wise. I thought he did good in the transfer portal. Now, hey, the season’s going to start, and I’m excited.”"

Hopefully, Barkley is right, and once the 2023 season rolls around Tiger fans will see a new and improved Auburn football team with big energy and strong leadership.