That’s all folks! After not quite three seasons and a 15-19 record, the Auburn Tigers have fired head coach Hugh Freeze. Despite the head coach’s persistent proclamation that the team was “so dang close” to becoming the version of an SEC team he envisioned, patience finally ran out after a dismal offensive showing in an embarrassing Week 10 loss to Kentucky.
With the Tigers looking for a second new head coach in four seasons, attention turns to who might replace Freeze as Auburn head coach. Presently, there is a healthy market. However, the program will need to act fast to secure his successor with multiple vacancies in this wildest of hiring and firing cycles.
James Franklin, Former Penn State HC
Penn State recently fired Franklin after 12 years despite his 104-45 overall record. The veteran coach brings a championship pedigree to the table.
During his tenure, Franklin led the Nittany Lions to five New Year’s Six bowl games and a Big Ten championship. He’s openly expressed his desire to return to coaching and win a national championship elsewhere.
Franklin is 53 years old, has extensive Power Four experience, and has proven recruiting abilities. Although his struggles in big games remain a concern, he would bring instant credibility to Auburn.
Jimbo Fisher, Former Texas A&M HC
Fisher remains one of college football’s most accomplished coaches. The 60-year-old won a national championship at Florida State in 2013 and has won 72% of his career games.
After receiving a record $76 million buyout from Texas A&M in 2023, Fisher has maintained he has “a lot to give” and wants to return to coaching. Fisher’s offensive expertise and championship experience would appeal to Auburn’s boosters.
Jon Sumrall, Tulane HC
Don’t be surprised to see Jon Sumrall linked to every available coaching opportunity in this cycle. Why should Auburn be any different to any other program? The Tulane Green Wave head coach has established himself as arguably the up-and-coming head coach during a four-year reign of terror at the Group of Five level.
Sumrall has led two different programs to a bowl game and AP ranking, taking the Troy Trojans to a 12-2 overall record and Cure Bowl win in his debut season as an FBS head coach. He’s followed that with a 15-7 record with the Green Wave, keeping the program competitive at the top of the American Conference. His 38-11 overall record speaks volumes.
Alex Golesh, USF HC
Current USF Bulls head coach, Alex Golesh, is another Group of Five head coach commanding a lot of attention in this hiring cycle, and with just cause. The Bulls have been the fairy tale story of the 2025 college football season, with marquee wins over ranked teams (Boise State and Florida) and boasting one of the most dynamic offenses in the country.
Do you know who doesn’t have one of the most dynamic offenses in the country right now? That’s right, Auburn. Freeze’s experience as a “quarterback whisperer” was one of the selling points of his hire, but Golesh has tangible results in that department, both as a head coach at USF and as an offensive coordinator in the SEC with the Tennessee Volunteers.
Jon Gruden, Former NFL Head Coach
The former Super Bowl-winning coach has expressed interest in returning to coaching. Gruden, 62, last coached with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2021. He told Pardon My Take that he’s “preparing myself as always to coach.”
Gruden’s college résumé spans Tennessee, Southeast Missouri State, Pacific, and a 1991 stint at Pittsburgh. His controversial departure from the Raiders raises serious concerns.
The coming weeks will reveal whether Auburn commits to Freeze or pursues a new direction.