Hugh Freeze firing: Former Auburn HC releases heartfelt statement, asks fans to support DJ Durkin

Auburn fired Hugh Freeze on Sunday in the middle of the third season of his tenure as the head coach on The Plains. Now, after being moved on from earlier in the day, the now-former coach of the program has shared a final message to the Tigers.

Freeze released a final statement on social media this evening following the news of his firing this afternoon. He expressed his appreciation for his time at the school, and for those who were in the program and at the university during his tenure. He also shared that he hopes to see the fanbase show their support for the team under D.J. Durkin, his replacement now in the interim, over the final three games of the season.

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— Hugh Freeze (@CoachHughFreeze) November 2, 2025

“As I reflect on my time here at Auburn, I’m filled with gratitude and humility. Serving as the head football coach at this incredible university has been one of the greatest honors of my career. From the moment I arrived on The Plains, I felt the warmth, passion, and unwavering support that make Auburn truly special,” wrote Freeze. “This community is built on tradition, integrity, and a deep love for one another – values that have guided me throughout my journey. Whether It was the roar of Jordan-Hare Stadium on a Saturday night, the quiet moments walking through campus, or the countless conversations with fans, alumni, and students, I’ve been reminded time and again of what it means to be part of the Auburn Family.”

“To our players – thank you for your commitment, your heart, and your belief in the process and fight that you have shown each week. Watching you grow as athletes and men has been the most rewarding part of his job. To our staff – no one will ever know your tireless work behind the scenes but thank you for fighting for Auburn every day. And to our fans – your passion fuels us. You’ve stood by us through every high and low, and your loyalty never wavers,” Freeze continued. “I humbly ask you continue to fully support these student-athletes as they seek to finish the season strong under Coach Durkin’s leadership.”

“It’s my fervent belief that great days are ahead for the Auburn football program. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this chapter. I love this place, and I’ll carry the friendships with me always,” closed Freeze. “War Eagle and God Bless.”

Freeze leaves Auburn with a record of 15-19 (.441) overall. That includes a mark of 4-5 (.444) this season after what is now a fate-sealing loss for his tenure there with a 10-3 defeat at home to Kentucky, which makes for a 1-4 stretch to open conference play after a start at 3-0. That’s even worse when its considered that the Tigers were only 6-16 (.273) against the SEC since his arrival in 2023.

Auburn also has yet to win more than six games now since 2020, spanning the final season under Gus Malzahn, a season and a half under Bryan Harsin, and now this under Freeze. That’s why, yet again this decade, a change is being made by the Tigers.

This is the latest tenure to just not work out down at Auburn. Still, Freeze, despite not having the on-field success many had hoped for upon his arrival, is grateful for the time he did get to spend as head coach of the Tigers.

AD John Cohen releases statement after firing of Freeze

An hour after the news of Hugh Freeze‘s firing at Auburn‘s broke, AD John Cohen released a statement confirming the news Sunday afternoon. Freeze was relieved of his duties earlier in the day in the midst of his third season on The Plains.

“I have informed Coach Freeze of my decision to make a change in leadership with the Auburn Football program,” Cohen wrote in a brief release. “Coach Freeze is a man of integrity, and we are appreciative of his investment in Auburn and his relentless work over the last three years in bolstering our roster. Our expectations for Auburn Football are to annually compete for championships and the search for the next leader of Auburn Football begins immediately.”