Auburn Tigers football coach Hugh Freeze survived a firing with the team's 33-24 win over the Arkansas Razorbacks last Saturday, and he has to win again against the Kentucky Wildcats this week to keep his job.
USA Today's Blake Toppmeyer boiled Freeze's current employment down to bad timing, since the Penn State Nittany Lions fired James Franklin, the Florida Gators fired Billy Napier, and the LSU Tigers fired Brian Kelly already this cycle.
"Unless Freeze goes 4-0 in November and wins the Iron Bowl, his resumeĢ would be wholly undeserving of a fourth season," Toppmeyer wrote.
"But, wait!
"Maybe, there's a reason to retain Freeze. Mind you, it has nothing to do with his performance or his 2026 recruiting class and everything to do with Penn State, Florida and LSU firing their coaches before Auburn made a move."
Freeze has completely lost the national media. Local media have faith after the Arkansas win, but most, like Toppmeyer, feel a Napier-like outcome is the best-case scenario. At this point, the elite on-paper recruiting Freeze has done is a punchline, given to the on-field results. Freeze is no longer believed to be an actual good football coach.
That seemingly leaves AU between a rock and a hard place. There's no guarantee they can outspend Penn State, UF, LSU, or even Arkansas or the Virginia Tech Hokies for their desired candidate.
Perhaps they don't have to, though.
Auburn can break cycle with next hire
The Tigers don't need to hire one of the more expensive names out there if they do decide to fire Freeze. Finding a talented coordinator who's ready for a head coaching promotion could be a smarter play. And more financially efficient, for sure.
Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard could be a sneaky play if LSU doesn't make a play on their former alum. Georgia Bulldogs defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann would also be a winning play at a cheaper price point. And it spites a blood rival.
There's always the Cadillac option, too. AU alum Carnell Williams isn't currently employed, but his interim head coaching tenure and his recruiting efforts, selling recruits on the brand as a passionate alum, always leave that door open.
Break the cycle, John Cohen. Make the understated hire, not the flashy one.
Kirby Smart and Dan Lanning were coordinators before taking over UGA and the Oregon Ducks, respectively. Just saying.