Auburn predicted to fire Hugh Freeze for $22 million college football coach

Things went from bad to worse at Auburn following the team's loss to Kentucky with college football rumors swirling about Hugh Freeze's potential replacement. Auburn has officially fired Freeze prompting college football fans to wonder about the Tigers next coach.

Auburn scoring just three points in Saturday's loss to Kentucky did not do Freeze any favors. On3's Pete Nakos reported that Auburn held a meeting on Sunday to decide Freeze's fate. Hours later, Auburn cut ties with Freeze and are now entering the college football coaching carousel.

NEW: Auburn fans stayed after the loss to Kentucky to chant “Fire Hugh”😬

(via @mikegittens)https://t.co/IcDKL9mYOS pic.twitter.com/CdXUh92sV6
— On3 (@On3sports) November 2, 2025

"Sundays are typically off days on The Plains; as of 7 a.m. CT on Sunday, no team meeting has been scheduled. Auburn administrators are discussing the future of Freeze, sources have said," Nakos detailed on Sunday. "Meanwhile, sources across the industry are bracing for change, though. The cost to fire Freeze on Sunday would be roughly $15.8 million, one of the more manageable buyouts in college football.

"For the Tigers to just reach bowl eligibility, they would have to pick two wins over the final three, with games against Vanderbilt, Mercer and Alabama. Hugh Freeze now has a 6–16 record in SEC play and just one AP Top 25 win at Auburn. Conversations have been ongoing among top boosters in recent weeks about Freeze’s future, sources have indicated to On3."

There are already several college football coaches being floated as potential candidates at Auburn.

Auburn predicted to poach Houston HC Willie Fritz

On3's Justin Hopkins offered early predictions for the college football coaching carousel. The analyst predicts Houston's Willie Fritz could be headed to Auburn.

All eyes on Houston. Beat WVU.

“Willie Fritz should be up for every Coach of the Year award. In Year 2, he has this team towards the top of the Big 12 standings … it has been a great, great story unfolding at Houston.” – @dannykanell pic.twitter.com/glpA6mcKyw
— Andrew Pate (@AndyPate05) October 30, 2025

"Again, another school impacted by these big openings," Hopkins wrote on Oct. 27. "Auburn is a big job. But you’re not getting Lane Kiffin. Do you like James Franklin? Can you get him?

"So you better know who you want and if you can get them if you move on from Freeze. Are you willing to take a flier on Jon Sumrall or Indiana’s DC Bryant Haines? I’d give Willie Fritz a good, long, hard look here."

Fritz has transformed both Tulane and now Houston from being at the bottom of their respective conferences to a legit threat in the sport. Back in 2023, Fritz signed a five-year contract paying the veteran coach $4.5 million annually to leave Tulane for Houston, per Football Scoop.

Ex-Penn State HC James Franklin could be a name to watch at Auburn

Don't be surprised if former Penn State head coach James Franklin emerges as a name to watch at Auburn. ESPN's Pete Thamel reported on Saturday that Franklin is gaining traction at Virginia Tech.

Virginia Tech would love to close the deal with James Franklin, but Jimmy Sexton would love to get Franklin involved at Auburn, which could open Sunday.
— Mike McDaniel (@MikeMcDanielSI) November 2, 2025

Will Franklin prefer a return to the SEC or perhaps a clearer path to the College Football Playoff in the ACC? The Athletic's Joe Rexrode predicts that South Florida's Alex Golesh will be the next Auburn coach.

"The Tigers failed in their attempt to regain prominence with someone who had seen his best days as a coach," Rexrode noted on Oct. 29. "Now it’s time to grab someone on the way up, while installing one of the most effective versions of the Art Briles offense to set Auburn apart.

"More important than the scheming, Golesh is an inspiring leader who proved at South Florida that he can build a strong team culture in the player-movement era."