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In a reflective Instagram post on November 2, Hugh Freeze penned what read like both a farewell and a plea. “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.” He also credited the players for their “commitment,” “heart,” and “belief” week in and week out and the staff as well. But he still has a request. “I humbly ask you to continue to fully support these student-athletes as they seek to finish the season strong under Coach Durkin’s leadership,” he added. “It’s my fervent belief that great days are ahead for the Auburn football program.” It was a classy goodbye but Auburn’s decision had already been signed, sealed, and delivered. CBS Sports’ Brandon Marcello, Matt Zenitz, and Richard Johnson first reported the firing, which came on the heels of yet another offensive disaster. AD John Cohen’s statement painted it as a mutual parting. “Coach Freeze is a man of integrity,” he wrote. “Our expectations for Auburn Football are to annually compete for championships.” Auburn wasn’t about to tolerate mediocrity. But what made this split more explosive, though, wasn’t just the timing. It was the tension behind it. ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
