Auburn Football Head Coach Hugh Freeze Announces Unexpected Leave of Absence, Urges Team to “Keep Rolling”
AUBURN, AL – In a stunning turn of events, Auburn University’s head football coach, Hugh Freeze, announced that he will be taking an unexpected leave of absence from his duties, despite the promising trajectory of his tenure at the school. Freeze, who was hired as the 31st head coach in Auburn’s storied football history on November 28, 2022, was expected to lead the Tigers through a multi-year rebuild and into national contention. His agreement with the university was originally set to keep him at the helm through January 2029, with a goal of revitalizing the program and restoring its competitive edge in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). However, today’s announcement left fans, players, and pundits alike in shock.
The 54-year-old Freeze addressed the Auburn community in a prepared statement, which was released early Monday morning. While Freeze did not go into specific details about the nature of his leave, his words were heartfelt and full of gratitude toward the university, its fans, and most importantly, his players.
“I want to start by saying that it has been an incredible honor to be a part of this program and to serve as the head coach at Auburn University. This is a place rich with tradition, and I am proud of what we have accomplished together over the last year,” Freeze stated in the release. “However, for personal reasons, I have made the difficult decision to step away from my coaching duties for a period of time. This is not a decision I take lightly, but it is one I believe is necessary for the time being.”
Despite the shock surrounding his decision, Freeze remained focused on ensuring that the team would continue to move forward. His final message to the players was both motivational and reflective of the deep bond he had developed with his athletes.
“To my players, I want to say this: Keep rolling. This is your team, and you are the future of Auburn football. I have full confidence in each and every one of you to continue to fight and to grow as men and players. You have my unwavering support, and I know you will continue to uphold the values of this program,” Freeze added.
Auburn’s Athletic Department Responds
Auburn University’s athletic director, John Cohen, issued a brief statement in response to Freeze’s announcement. Cohen expressed understanding and support for Freeze’s decision while reiterating the school’s commitment to the success of the football program.
“We are grateful for Hugh Freeze’s leadership and dedication to our football program,” Cohen said. “While we respect Coach Freeze’s decision to take a leave of absence, we will continue to work closely with him and his staff to ensure that the program remains on course. Auburn football is bigger than any one person, and we are committed to moving forward in a positive direction.”
Team Reactions
The news of Freeze’s leave has left many players and team members reflecting on their time with the coach. Senior linebacker Eugene Asante, one of the team’s leaders on defense, spoke out following the announcement, expressing both surprise and confidence in the team’s ability to carry on.
Auburn quarterback Robby Ashford also commented on the situation, emphasizing that the team would remain focused on their goals, despite the sudden change in leadership.
“Coach Freeze is a huge part of why we’ve been able to turn things around here at Auburn, and we’re all grateful for what he’s done. But we’ve got a job to do, and that’s what we’re focused on,” Ashford said. “We’ll continue to work hard and do whatever it takes to keep this program moving in the right direction.”
The Road Ahead for Auburn Football
Freeze’s leave of absence raises several questions about the future of Auburn football, particularly with regards to the program’s long-term vision and direction. Auburn had shown signs of improvement under Freeze’s leadership in his first season, though the team still faced challenges within the competitive SEC. A new coaching regime was seen as a pivotal step in reviving Auburn’s football culture, which had struggled in recent years to find consistency.
The Tigers are scheduled to begin their offseason preparations for the 2025 season in the coming weeks. With Freeze now on leave, Auburn will need to lean heavily on Montgomery and the rest of the coaching staff to provide stability and direction during this uncertain period. The school has yet to confirm the timeline for Freeze’s return, leaving fans wondering how this development may impact recruiting efforts and the overall outlook for the 2025 season.
The Impact of the Leave
Though Freeze’s departure is still shrouded in mystery, speculation about the reasons for his leave has already begun to circulate. Some sources have suggested that personal or family-related issues could be at the heart of his decision, while others have speculated that there may be more complex reasons for his absence. For now, Auburn and Freeze are keeping those details private, with both sides focusing on what comes next for the program.
In the meantime, Auburn’s players and coaches are committed to continuing the mission Freeze started. Under Montgomery’s leadership, the team will aim to build on the progress they made in 2024 and continue striving for excellence in the highly competitive SEC.
While the loss of Freeze, even temporarily, presents challenges, Auburn’s football program is no stranger to adversity. Whether it’s the resilience of the players, the leadership of the assistant coaches, or the unwavering support of the Auburn fanbase, the Tigers are poised to keep pushing forward, with a focus on maintaining momentum, staying united, and continuing to build the future of Auburn football.
For now, Auburn fans will have to wait and see what comes next, but one thing is clear: the legacy of Hugh Freeze’s tenure at Auburn will not be defined solely by his departure, but by how the program responds to it in the weeks and months to come. And as Freeze himself reminded the team, it’s time to “keep rolling.”
The road ahead may be uncertain, but Auburn football is committed to moving forward, no matter the challenge.
