Auburn University has officially terminated head coach Hugh Freeze, following a disappointing tenure that saw the team amass a record of 15–19 over three seasons. The announcement came from John Cohen, the athletics director, on Sunday. Freeze’s departure includes a hefty buyout of $15.44 million, as reported by USA Today. This decision marks a significant moment in a rapidly shifting coaching landscape, with 2025 projected to be a record year for coaching buyouts.
As Auburn embarks on the search for its next head coach, several candidates have surfaced, each bringing unique qualifications and connections to the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
Candidates to Watch
Jimbo Fisher, the former head coach of Texas A&M University, is a leading candidate. Fisher, who secured a national championship with Florida State, has extensive SEC experience, including a stint as Auburn’s quarterbacks coach in the 1990s. His recent tenure at Texas A&M lasted from 2018 to 2023, where he faced challenges but maintained a notable reputation in college football.
Another potential candidate is James Franklin, the recently dismissed head coach of Penn State. Franklin led the Nittany Lions to the College Football Playoff semifinal last season but was let go after a disappointing campaign. Despite speculation linking him to the opening at Virginia Tech, Auburn leaders are expected to assess his interest in their head coaching position. Franklin previously coached in the SEC at Vanderbilt from 2011 to 2013.
Alex Golesh, head coach at the University of South Florida, has emerged as a promising option. With a current record of 20-14 over three seasons, Golesh has demonstrated his offensive acumen, which he developed as the offensive coordinator at the University of Tennessee. This season, South Florida is performing well, standing at 6-2 and in contention for a spot in the 12-team College Football Playoff.
The search also includes Brent Key, currently leading Georgia Tech. Key, who has Alabama roots and served as an offensive line coach for the Crimson Tide, has achieved a record of 26-17 in four seasons with the Yellow Jackets. Despite suffering a recent loss, Georgia Tech is still in the running for the Atlantic Coast Conference championship and a potential CFP berth, boasting an impressive 8-1 record this season.
Finally, Jon Sumrall, head coach at Tulane, is regarded as a candidate with strong SEC connections. Sumrall played linebacker at the University of Kentucky and has coaching experience at Ole Miss. At Troy, he compiled a record of 23–4 and has achieved a 15–7 record at Tulane, where the Green Wave are also considered CFP contenders for the coming season.
As Auburn navigates this pivotal transition, the focus will be on selecting a head coach capable of revitalizing the program and achieving success in the competitive landscape of college football.
