Auburn Tigers head coach Hugh Freeze is facing mounting pressure from fans as the football team continues to struggle under his leadership. With the Tigers sitting at a disappointing record this season, fans and analysts alike are beginning to question Freeze’s long-term fit for the program. Despite this, reports indicate that Freeze will likely remain Auburn’s head coach for the foreseeable future, but the road ahead isn’t looking smooth.
Freeze, who took over in 2023, was initially seen as the coach to bring Auburn back to its former glory. However, after underperforming during his first two seasons, some fans have already started calling for a change. Auburn’s potential 4-8 finish in 2024 has further fueled that sentiment, with many looking to the future to identify potential candidates for Freeze’s replacement.
One name that has gained traction is Rhett Lashlee, the current head coach at SMU and a former offensive coordinator at Auburn under Gus Malzahn. Lashlee has quickly built SMU into a top-25 contender, boasting a 6-1 record and an undefeated conference performance in SMU’s first season in the ACC. His offensive-minded approach has resonated with Auburn fans, who recall his success during his early days at Auburn when the team reached the national championship game in 2013.
The main criticism of Freeze has been the inconsistency of the team’s offense, something that Lashlee has excelled at throughout his coaching career. With SMU flourishing and Auburn faltering, it’s only a matter of time before Auburn boosters and fans begin clamoring for Lashlee’s return.
For now, Freeze still has the support of Auburn’s administration, who remain hopeful that his recruiting efforts and vision for the program will eventually turn things around. However, if things don’t improve, Freeze’s tenure could be cut short, and Lashlee may find himself back at Auburn—this time as head coach.
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