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Hugh Freeze's contract and buyout creates uncertain future at Auburn amid rumors

Pressure is mounting on Hugh Freeze amid an underwhelming tenure at Auburn. Freeze's buyout and contract details continues to prompt college football rumors about his future.
Jonathan Adams|
Auburn Tigers head coach Hugh Freeze walks off the field after the game as Auburn Tigers take on Ball State Cardinals at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. Auburn Tigers defeated Ball State Cardinals 42-3.
Auburn Tigers head coach Hugh Freeze walks off the field after the game as Auburn Tigers take on Ball State Cardinals at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. Auburn Tigers defeated Ball State Cardinals 42-3. | Jake Crandall/ Advertiser / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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Auburn Tigers

Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze continues to be mentioned among the college football coaches on the hot seat. Heading into Week 8, Freeze has an underwhelming 14-16 record during his three seasons at Auburn.

Freeze has had two straight seasons with a losing record at Auburn. Back in 2022, Freeze signed a six-year deal estimated to be worth at least $39 million.

If Auburn moves on from Freeze at the end of the season, the coach's buyout would be $15.4 million, per USA Today. This is not exactly cheap, but Freeze's buyout is on the more affordable end of the spectrum when it comes to college football coaches rumored to be on the hot seat.

Here's the latest college football rumors about Freeze's future at Auburn.

Hugh Freeze's $15 million buyout means there is mounting pressure on Auburn coach

On3's Pete Nakos labels Freeze among the college football coaches on the hot seat. How Auburn performs against Georgia and Missouri could impact Freeze's future at Auburn.

"The Tigers currently sit at 3-2 with a 0-2 mark in the SEC inthird season on The Plains," Nakos wrote on Tuesday. "With Georgia coming to town, all eyes will be on how the Tigers look following the bye week. One thing not working in Freeze’s favor is his buyout. At only $15.4 million, it’s manageable and something Auburn can pay if the Tigers do not show improvement.

"Auburn is at risk of falling to 0-4 in the SEC if it can’t pick up wins over Georgia and Missouri in back-to-back weeks at home. While the schedule becomes more manageable from there, starting the season winless in the SEC will have Freeze squarely on the hot seat."

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Jonathan Adams
JONATHAN ADAMS

Jonathan Adams is a veteran sports writer who has written for notable outlets and interviewed some of the top athletes for more than 10 years. Since 2015, his sports coverage has been read by tens of millions and has been prominently featured on Heavy, NFL.com, Yahoo Sports, Pro Football Talk, CBS Sports, Bleacher Report and more. Jonathan is a member of the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) and a voter for the Maxwell Award and Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year. He has interviewed many of the biggest stars in sports — Bryce Harper, Jayden Daniels, Justin Jefferson, Bijan Robinson and Micah Parsons to name a few — and has traveled the country to cover the College Football Playoff, NFL draft, Masters, March Madness, Senior Bowl, McDonald’s All-American Game and beyond. Jonathan Adams studied at the University of Central Florida and The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology. He holds master degrees in sport business management, business administration and theology & culture.

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