Freeze discusses job security, communication with AD John Cohen amid speculation

Hugh Freeze answered more questions about his job security on Monday as Auburn works through a four-game losing streak in the middle of the season. Auburn fell to Missouri on Saturday, sliding to 0-4 in SEC play. It’s the fourth-straight season Auburn has started league play 0-4.

With the Tigers struggling to find consistency, talk about Freeze’s future has increased. Heading into a new week, Freeze answered whether he’s spoken with athletics director John Cohen about his status since the fourth loss of the season.

“I haven’t talked to John,” Freeze said. “I’m gonna say, John has been so supportive ever since, obviously my hire, but I don’t get too much into — they have a job to do and certainly he has people he has to answer to and I know how close we are.”

Freeze remains adamant that the program is close to turning the corner.

“I know I can get this fixed, and we’re too dang close. We’ve got to get a little bit better play and a little bit better coaching at a few spots, and I want a chance to fix this,” he said.

“But again, I’ve trusted John since I’ve been here to do the right things, and he’s got to do what he feels is best for this program, of course. And I think it’s us. I think we fit Auburn, I think we fit the Auburn culture, I think the culture in the building has changed. I think the talent level has changed.

“And unfortunately, we just hadn’t gotten over the hump in a very difficult stretch of games. But I believe that’s coming very, very soon. 

Major programs such as Penn State and Florida have already fired their head coaches, while Florida State and Wisconsin athletic directors recently issued public statements backing theirs. Freeze said he would love a similar statement of support.

“Well, that would be huge. You know, that would make everyone feel a lot better, for sure,” Freeze said with a smile. He added, “I’ve totally gotten off of all social media, so I’m not sure what exactly was said in those other cases, but that’s got to be reassuring to those people in there that they believe that they can get it fixed.”

On Saturday night, Freeze talked openly about his understanding of fan frustration, expectations of winning inside the Auburn program, and how the talent and resources are present to compete for championships.

“You know, listen, we all know what we signed up for and I certainly know that we fit what Auburn is all about,” Freeze said after the Missouri loss. “But Auburn is also about winning football. … And I know that we’ve changed the talent level here, but at the end of the day, at some point, you have to win football games.”

Auburn is now 14-18 overall, 5-15 in SEC play, 7-17 against power conferences, 9-10 at home, and 1-12 against ranked opponents and 1-12 in games decided by 10 points or less.

Under Freeze, Auburn continues to lose close games and fail to beat quality teams. The Tigers are 1-12 in games decided by 10 points or less and 1-2 against ranked opponents.

Auburn currently ranks No. 13 in scoring offense among SEC teams (23.6 ppg) and No. 15 in total offense (335 ypg). The Tigers are No. 14 in third-down conversion rate among SEC teams (36.84), No. 15 in 10-plus-yard plays from scrimmage (73 total) and No. 16 in sacks allowed (27).

For now, Freeze will focus is on preparation and improvement while doing his best to tune out the noise around his job.