Auburn Tigers News: Hugh Freeze finds comfort in new hires, Butch Thompson excited for Plainsman Park upgrades
In today's edition of Auburn Tigers News, Auburn football head coach Hugh Freeze finds comfort in new hires made during the offseason and Auburn baseball head coach Butch Thompson previews Plainsman Park upgrades
There were a lot of shake ups on the Auburn football coaching staff after head coach Hugh Freeze's first season on the Plains. Offensive coordinator Philip Montgomery was fired, and running backs coach Cadillac Williams, secondary coach Zac Etheridge, and defensive coordinator Ron Roberts all parted ways with the program.
Former Ole Miss OC Derrick Nix now holds the same position with Auburn football, and Kent Austin — who was previously Freeze's QB coach at Liberty — will coach the quarterbacks. According to Auburn Daily, Freeze feels confident heading into the 2024 season with Nix and Austin heading up the offense:
"It's a comfort level to have D Nix and Kent in that room knowing that the verbiage and communication and everything will be things that I understand clearly. I can add value to when I need to. D Nix is one of the best recruiters, best men, best football coaches I have been around. Good to reunite with him."
Auburn baseball head coach Butch Thompson previews Plainsman Park upgrades
Construction on Plainsman Park has been underway for some time now, and the first phase of upgrades to the venue are expected for the 2024 season with more on the way. The Hall of Fame Club, which will provide space for premium experiences including climate control, televisions, restrooms, indoor seating, complimentary food, and more.
The Hall of Fame Club is the starting point for bringing Plainsman Park into the 21st century, according to Auburn Undercover, and head coach Butch Thompson is excited for the improved experience:
"This Hall of Fame Club's going to give us a hint of what's to come, but I think it's great that'll be done for this season," Thompson said. "The Hall of Fame Club is going to make us even more excited for the club level down the line, and the drink rails and the seating above the monster. It's going to give a feel of us being able to digest, take in Auburn baseball differently than we ever have before. And it probably catches us up, not only with our peers, but also, all I care about is less about our peers and more about our people, our Auburn Family."