The third-year Tigers coach is winless in SEC play after his team dropped the Georgia rivalry game at home
Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze is under mounting pressure following Saturday night’s 20–10 loss to Georgia, marking the team’s third consecutive defeat and his 11th loss in 12 games against ranked opponents since taking over the Tigers. Now 14–17 overall at Auburn, Freeze entered the season on the hot seat and again finds himself under scrutiny, attempting to shift attention toward his players and the team’s need for improvement.
Freeze’s buyout stands at $15.4 million, nearly matching the amount Auburn paid to Bryan Harsin when he was dismissed eight games into the 2022 season. Freeze signed a six-year, $39 million contract that same year.
“I think it’s very clear we find ways to not win football games, and that’s what has to change,” Freeze said after watching his team blow a 10-point lead to the Bulldogs.
His latest narrow defeat against a top-10 opponent came just days after he was asked during the SEC teleconference whether the Georgia game carried job-security implications.
“I don’t pay attention to any of that,” Freeze responded. “I’m a person of faith, and I believe my story is being written far above my pay grade. I know we’re doing things the right way here. We’re getting closer every game. We’ve faced three straight top-10 teams, and our focus is on finding a way to beat them. This isn’t about me—it’s about our players and preparing them for a great rivalry like Georgia.”
After a 3–0 start, Auburn appeared poised for an SEC-opening upset when leading 11th-ranked Oklahoma in the fourth quarter, before a late touchdown by John Mateer sealed the Sooners’ comeback.
The next week against ninth-ranked Texas A&M, Auburn’s offense sputtered, managing only 177 total yards, nine first downs, and going 0-for-13 on third downs in another close loss.
Against 10th-ranked Georgia, the Tigers once again faltered, losing control of the game after a costly goal-line fumble late in the first half, which prevented them from taking a 17-point lead.
According to Auburn Undercover’s Nathan King, Freeze appeared “the most dejected he’s ever looked” during his postgame press conference. When asked how he planned to handle accountability after the tough loss, Freeze kept his response brief:
“Easy. Show up to work Monday and get ready to win a football game. That’s how it looks.”
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