Auburn defends Hugh Freeze hire in response to backlash from fanbase 

On3 imageby:Dan Morrison12/05/22

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The decision by Auburn to hire Hugh Freeze was a controversial one. Many fans were not entirely on board with the hire and sent new athletic director John Cohen and president Chris Roberts emails in response.

In response, the school sent out emails attempting to address those concerns. Sports Illustrated has since obtained those emails, which were attributed to Roberts.

“The selection of Coach Hugh Freeze was the result of an extensive search process, which included interviews with 18 potential candidates and an in-depth evaluation of 11 candidates who continued to the vetting stage,” the emails read in part.

“Athletics Director John Cohen and his staff reviewed the personal and professional history of each candidate, which included a detailed evaluation of documents and candid conversations with men and women with direct knowledge of those candidates. Cohen said that as a result of this thorough process, Coach Freeze emerged as the right person to lead our football program.”

Depending on the particular complaints made by the fan, they received slightly different responses. That included things like Title IX resources.

Later in all of the emails, Roberts promised the university will “acknowledge our failings” and “correct our shortcomings” if there are any “instances where we do not live up to the principles of the [Auburn] Creed.”

Since then, emails attributed to Cohen have been sent out.

“I wanted to let you know that I appreciate you reaching out. We look forward to great days ahead. Thank you for your passion for Auburn Athletics.”

Hugh Freeze on how he convinced Auburn his issues are behind him

Hugh Freeze’s issues go back to Ole Miss, but they’re also not limited to his time there. As recently as last summer, Freeze sent direct messages to a woman involved in a lawsuit against Liberty that were widely seen as inappropriate, for instance. Still, he was able to convince the administration at Auburn that his issues were behind him.

“I heard a lot of people on the way the Ole Miss tenure ended there. And we had a great time, a lot of great times over our five years there, but obviously the ending is not one that I’m very proud of. And ever since that day I’ve been trying to earn the trust of those that are important to me, back. And that includes, obviously, my family first. And then the family of my football family, like Liberty and that administration, which, I think I served them very well,” Freeze said.

“And I think I’ve put in a really good plan to show people this is who I really am and who I want to be and how I’m going to be accountable to serve you well, also and, man, I just gotta say to the board of trustees here and to John and our president. Gosh, they heard our whole story and chose to trust in us.”