The world of college football is no stranger to the captivating story of Coach Hugh Freeze. His remarkable journey, both on and off the field, has been a testament to resilience and redemption. In this exclusive Auburn Source article, we will cover Coach Hugh Freeze's life, career, coaching stops, family, and his latest role as the head coach of Auburn Tigers football team, shedding light on the compelling reasons behind his decision to lead the Auburn Tigers in his latest professional coaching journey.

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Full Bio:

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Coach Hugh Freeze was born on September 27, 1969, in Oxford, Mississippi. Raised in a devout Christian family, he developed strong values and principles from an early age. His faith would later become a guiding force in his life and career.

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After completing his high school education at Senatobia High School in Mississippi, Freeze attended Northwest Mississippi Community College, where he played football as a quarterback. He continued his collegiate journey at the University of Southern Mississippi, where he graduated in 1992 with a degree in mathematics.

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Coach Freeze's coaching career began at Briarcrest Christian School in Memphis, Tennessee, where he served as the head football coach from 1992 to 2004. During his tenure, he won several state championships, garnering attention for his coaching prowess.

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Coaching Stops:

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1. Ole Miss Rebels (2005-2007):

   • Coach Freeze's journey in the collegiate ranks began as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for the Ole Miss Rebels. His efforts played a crucial role in recruiting standout talent and laying the foundation for the program's future success.

2. Lambuth Eagles (2008):

   • In 2008, Coach Freeze took on the role of head coach at Lambuth University, where he led the Eagles to an impressive 8-3 record.

3. Arkansas State Red Wolves (2011):

   • Coach Freeze's successful tenure at Lambuth earned him the opportunity to become the head coach at Arkansas State in 2011. He inherited a team that had struggled in previous years but quickly turned their fortunes around. Under his leadership, the Red Wolves finished the season with a remarkable 10-2 record.

4. Ole Miss Rebels (2012-2016):

   • In 2012, Hugh Freeze returned to Ole Miss, this time as the head coach. His tenure with the Rebels saw significant improvement in the program's performance, including a win over Alabama in 2014 and a Sugar Bowl victory in 2016.

5. Liberty Flames (2019-2021):

   • After a brief hiatus from coaching due to health concerns, Coach Freeze resumed his coaching career as the head coach of Liberty University's Flames. In his two seasons at Liberty, he led the team to remarkable success, including a Cure Bowl victory in 2019.

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Family Information:

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Hugh Freeze is married to his wife, Jill Freeze. Together, they have three daughters: Ragan, Jordan, and Madison. His family has been a pillar of support throughout his career, especially during the challenging moments.

 

Coaching Record:

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Coach Hugh Freeze's coaching record reflects his ability to transform programs and achieve success, often in the face of adversity. While the specific records vary by coaching stop, his overall record speaks to his impact on the teams he has led:

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• Overall Head Coaching Record: Approximately 83 wins and 58 losses.

• Notable Achievements: Conference championships, bowl game victories, and turning struggling programs into competitive contenders.

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Choosing Auburn University:

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Coach Hugh Freeze's decision to join Auburn University as the head coach was a significant development in the college football world and in the SEC.  Known for beating Nick Saban a few times certainly helped his career and made the decision easier for Auburn's search committee in 2022. Several factors played a role in Freeze's choice to come to Auburn:

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1. Resurgence of Auburn Football:

   • Auburn has a rich football tradition, and the program has been eager to return to championship contention. Coach Freeze saw this as an opportunity to make an impact and contribute to the resurgence of the Auburn Tigers.

2. SEC Competitiveness:

   • The Southeastern Conference (SEC) is known for its fierce competition, and Coach Freeze is no stranger to this environment. His experience in the SEC, combined with his coaching acumen, made him an attractive choice for Auburn.

3. Alignment of Values:

   • Coach Freeze's strong Christian faith aligns with the values and culture of Auburn University. The university's commitment to holistic development and character-building resonated with him.

4. Challenge and Redemption:

   • Coach Freeze has always been drawn to challenges, and Auburn presented him with the opportunity to prove himself once again on a big stage. His past experiences have shaped him into a coach who thrives on redemption and overcoming adversity.

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Coach Hugh Freeze's journey through the world of college football is a testament to his resilience, determination, and commitment to excellence. From his early coaching days at Briarcrest Christian School to his latest role as the head coach of the Auburn Tigers, he has left an indelible mark on all the programs he has led throughout his career.

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As Coach Freeze embarks on his latest chapter at Auburn University, the football world watches with anticipation to see how his leadership and coaching expertise will shape the Tigers' future. His ability to inspire, transform, and achieve success is a testament to the enduring power of perseverance and redemption in the world of college football.