50 Facts About Hugh Freeze

Early Life and Education

Hugh Freeze's journey in football began in the heart of Mississippi, where his upbringing and education laid the foundation for his future career.

1. Birth and Early Life: Hugh Freeze was born on September 27, 1969, in Oxford, Mississippi, and grew up on a dairy farm in Independence, Mississippi.
2. Family Background: His father, Danny Freeze, is a longtime high school assistant coach, which likely influenced Hugh's early interest in football.
3. Education: Freeze graduated from Senatobia High School in 1988. He then attended Northwest Mississippi Community College, where he lettered two years in junior college baseball and became an NJCAA Academic All-American in the spring of 1990.
4. University of Southern Mississippi: Freeze attended the University of Southern Mississippi, where he graduated in 1992 with a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics and a minor in coaching and sports administration.
5. Baseball Career: Although Freeze tried out for the Southern Miss baseball team in the fall of 1990, he was cut from the team. This setback did not deter him from pursuing his passion for football.

High School Coaching Success

Freeze's coaching career took off at Briarcrest Christian School, where he made a significant impact on both the football and basketball programs.

6. Coaching Career Beginnings: In 1992, Freeze joined the staff at Briarcrest Christian School in Memphis, Tennessee, as the football team's offensive coordinator and defensive backs coach. He also served as dean of students.
7. Promotion to Head Coach: By 1995, Freeze was promoted to head coach at Briarcrest Christian School. Under his leadership, the team ran the no-huddle spread offense and achieved significant success.
8. High School Success: During his tenure at Briarcrest, Freeze led the team to two state championships (2002 and 2004) and six regional championships. He received Region 8-AA Coach of the Year honors five times and Associated Press Coach of the Year honors six times.
9. Overall Record at Briarcrest: In ten years as head coach, Freeze compiled a 94-30 record (.785 winning percentage) and a 126-37 overall record.
10. Coaching Michael Oher: One of Freeze's most notable players was Michael Oher, whose story was documented in the book and movie "The Blind Side." Oher's journey from homelessness to becoming a successful NFL player is a testament to Freeze's coaching abilities and his commitment to his players' well-being.
11. Girls Basketball Success: Freeze also coached the girls basketball team at Briarcrest from 1992 to 2004, achieving an impressive overall record of 305-63 (.829 winning percentage) and winning seven straight championship appearances and four championships.

Transition to College Coaching

Freeze's success in high school coaching paved the way for his transition to collegiate football, where he continued to make a name for himself.

12. Ole Miss Assistant Coach: In 2005, Ole Miss hired Freeze as an assistant athletic director for football external affairs. The following season, he became the tight ends coach and recruiting coordinator, positions he held through 2007.
13. Interim Head Coach: After the 2007 season, Freeze served as the interim head coach before the hiring of Houston Nutt. He interviewed for the offensive coordinator position with Nutt but did not get the job.
14. Recruiting Coordinator: As recruiting coordinator, Freeze played a crucial role in bringing top talent to Ole Miss. His ability to recruit and develop players has been a hallmark of his coaching career.

Head Coach at Ole Miss

Freeze's tenure at Ole Miss was marked by significant achievements and controversies, shaping his legacy in college football.

15. Head Coach at Ole Miss: In 2012, Freeze was promoted to head coach at Ole Miss. During his tenure, he led the Rebels to several notable victories, including beating Alabama and Nick Saban twice.
16. NCAA Violations: Under Freeze's leadership, Ole Miss committed various recruiting and academic violations. The NCAA subsequently expunged 27 of his wins and banned the team from postseason play for two years.
17. Public Backlash: The NCAA violations led to significant public backlash, which Freeze attempted to address but ultimately realized it made the situation worse.
18. Resignation from Ole Miss: Freeze resigned from Ole Miss in 2017 after officials discovered that he had used a university cellphone to call escort services at least a dozen times over 33 months.

Controversies and Challenges

Despite his coaching success, Freeze's career has been marred by controversies and personal challenges.

19. Allegations of Inappropriate Conduct: Following his dismissal from Ole Miss in 2017, some former students alleged that Freeze had engaged in inappropriate conduct with female students while at Briarcrest. However, Freeze has denied these allegations, and Briarcrest officials stated they were unaware of any sexual improprieties during his tenure.
20. Controversy at Liberty: While coaching at Liberty in 2022, Freeze faced another controversy when he used Twitter to send direct messages to a sexual assault survivor who sued the university for mishandling her case and won.
21. Public Apology: After being sued for defamation by university officials who attempted to shift blame for the NCAA violations onto his predecessor, Freeze issued a public apology. This move helped to mitigate some of the negative publicity surrounding him.

Coaching at Liberty University

Freeze found a new opportunity at Liberty University, where he continued to demonstrate his coaching prowess.

22. Hiring at Liberty: In 2018, Liberty University hired Freeze as their head football coach. He was tasked with transitioning the program from FCS to FBS.
23. Liberty University Success: During his tenure at Liberty, Freeze directed the Flames to at least eight wins and a bowl game every season. He transitioned the program from FCS to FBS, achieving significant success in the process.

New Chapter at Auburn

Freeze's latest challenge is rebuilding the Auburn Tigers, a storied program with high expectations.

24. Hiring at Auburn: On November 28, 2022, Auburn University named Hugh Freeze as its 31st head football coach. The decision was met with both excitement and skepticism due to his troubled past.
25. Auburn's New Era: Freeze is tasked with rebuilding the Auburn Tigers, a program that has not won a national championship since 2010. He aims to create a culture that breeds confidence and extracts the most out of the players.
26. Recruiting Prowess: Freeze has a reputation for being one of the best recruiters in college football. His ability to attract top talent has been a key factor in his success at various programs.
27. Temple Run-Pass Option Offense: Freeze's tempo run-pass option offense has been a significant part of his past 10-win seasons. This scheme has often overshadowed strong defenses and contributed to his teams' success.
28. Player Development Focus: Freeze emphasizes player development as a crucial aspect of his coaching philosophy. He believes in creating a culture that helps players grow both on and off the field.
29. Family Involvement: Freeze encourages his assistants to bring their kids to work, creating a family atmosphere that resonates with recruits. This approach has been a unique aspect of his coaching style.
30. Auburn's Challenges: Auburn faces significant challenges, including a recent string of losses and internal issues. Freeze aims to address these problems by fostering a culture change and improving player development.
31. Leadership Style: Freeze is known for his charismatic leadership style, which emphasizes creating a positive and supportive environment for his players. He believes in building trust and confidence within the team.
32. Community Support: The Auburn community has shown significant support for Freeze, despite his troubled past. He has been welcomed by the university and its athletic director, John Cohen, who praised his focus on player development and recruiting.
33. SEC Experience: Freeze has extensive experience in the SEC, having coached at Ole Miss and now Auburn. This experience is crucial in understanding the competitive landscape of college football.
34. Recruiting Classes: Freeze has consistently produced top-notch recruiting classes. In 2013, he landed the nation's seventh-best recruiting class, according to Rivals. His most recent class at Auburn ranked 19th.

Personal Life and Values

Freeze's personal life and values have played a significant role in shaping his coaching career and interactions with players.

35. Personal Life: Hugh Freeze and his wife, Jill, have three daughters: Ragan, Jordan, and Madison. Freeze is a born-again Christian and has been outspoken about his faith throughout his coaching career.
36. Community Involvement: Freeze has been involved in various mission projects, including serving as a missionary in Houston, Salt Lake City, St. Petersburg, Russia, and Australia. He also served as the state president for the Mississippi Baptist Student Union.
37. Faith and Personal Life: Freeze is a devout Christian and has been open about his faith throughout his career. He has spoken at churches and conferences, and his Twitter account is filled with Christian references.
38. Family Ties to Auburn: Freeze's daughter, Jordan, attended Auburn University and currently resides in Auburn. This personal connection has been highlighted as a positive factor in his hiring by the university.
39. Player Support: Freeze is known for his support of players, particularly those who face personal challenges. His commitment to helping players grow both on and off the field has been a hallmark of his coaching career.
40. Community Engagement: Freeze engages with the community through various initiatives, including speaking at churches and conferences. His involvement in local events helps build a positive image for the program and fosters community support.

Coaching Philosophy and Strategies

Freeze's coaching philosophy and strategies have been instrumental in his success and the development of his teams.

41. Coaching Philosophy: His coaching philosophy centers around creating a positive team environment that fosters confidence and growth. He believes in extracting the maximum potential from each player.
42. Offensive Strategy: Freeze's offensive strategy involves a tempo run-pass option offense, which has been successful in his previous coaching stints. This approach emphasizes speed and agility, often catching opponents off guard.
43. Defensive Approach: While his offense has been a key factor in his success, Freeze also emphasizes the importance of a strong defense. He believes that a balanced team with both strong offense and defense is crucial for achieving championships.
44. Player Development Programs: Freeze has implemented various programs aimed at developing players both on and off the field. These initiatives include academic support, mentorship, and personal development opportunities.
45. Team Culture Change: Freeze emphasizes the need for a culture change within the Auburn program. He believes that this change is essential for achieving success and overcoming past challenges.
46. Meddling Boosters: Freeze has faced challenges related to meddling boosters at previous institutions. He is aware of the potential pitfalls and is committed to maintaining a professional and respectful environment within the program.

Legacy and Impact

Despite the controversies, Freeze's legacy in college football is marked by his ability to inspire players and create winning cultures.

47. Legacy and Impact: Despite the controversies, Hugh Freeze has left a lasting legacy in college football. His ability to inspire players, develop teams, and create winning cultures has made him one of the most respected coaches in the sport.
48. Auburn's Future: With Freeze at the helm, Auburn aims to return to its former glory as one of the top programs in college football. He is determined to bring championships back to the Plains and create a winning culture.
49. Future Aspirations: Freeze's future aspirations include continuing to develop players, build successful teams, and leave a positive impact on the college football landscape.
50. Commitment to Excellence: Freeze's commitment to excellence, both on and off the field, has been a driving force in his coaching career. He remains dedicated to achieving success and making a difference in the lives of his players.

Hugh Freeze: A Complex Legacy

Hugh Freeze's journey in football coaching is nothing short of remarkable. From his early days at Briarcrest Christian School to his current role at Auburn, he's shown a knack for building successful teams. His recruiting prowess and innovative offensive strategies have earned him a reputation as one of the best in the business. However, his career hasn't been without controversy. NCAA violations and personal scandals have cast shadows over his achievements. Despite these setbacks, Freeze remains committed to his core values of player development and creating a positive team culture. As he leads Auburn, the community watches with a mix of excitement and skepticism. Whether he brings championships back to the Tigers or faces more challenges, one thing is clear: Hugh Freeze will continue to be a significant figure in college football. His story is a testament to resilience and the complexities of leadership.