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Auburn’s 10-3 loss to Kentucky last Saturday marked Hugh Freeze’s final game at the helm of the Tigers’ football program.
“Coach Freeze is a man of integrity and we are grateful for his investment in Auburn and his tireless work over the past three years to strengthen our roster,” Auburn athletic director John Cohen said in a statement Sunday.
Madi Freeze, daughter of the now-former Auburn coach, revealed she was concerned about her father’s well-being in the months leading up to his firing.
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Auburn Tigers head coach Hugh Freeze on the field before a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium on October 25, 2025 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. (Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
In a video on social media, Madi said her father’s health declined in the months following an early diagnosis of prostate cancer. Freeze’s diagnosis was announced in February.
Because of early detection, doctors believe Freeze’s cancer is “highly treatable and curable,” according to a statement from the school. At the time, the 56-year-old was given the green light to continue his coaching duties during his treatment.
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“In some twisted way, there’s a relieving factor for me personally because I’ve seen my father’s health deteriorate over this,” she said in a video shared on TikTok. “Other people can see it, I know you all can see it, he’s not healthy.”
Auburn Tigers head coach Hugh Freeze talks to an official in the third quarter against the South Alabama Jaguars at Jordan-Hare Stadium on Sept. 13, 2025. (John Reed/Imagn Images)
She added that Freeze is scheduled to undergo procedures. “I’m thankful that there’s relief that my dad is finally getting the surgeries he needs and they’re scheduled and he’s going to be fine.”
Madi goes to Auburn. While she expressed admiration for the school, she also suggested that her father was not fully appreciated during his coaching tenure.
“We loved Auburn, and the second we got here, everyone was very convinced that if you love Auburn, it will love you back,” she said. “Unfortunately, that was not the case for us… We do not wish them harm, but we hope that they turn to the Lord and find Jesus.”
Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze walks off the field after a loss to Kentucky in an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, in Auburn, Alabama. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Freeze left Liberty after the 2022 season and joined Auburn. He coached the Tigers to a 6-7 record in his first season on the sidelines. Auburn won five games under Freeze in 2024.
Auburn fell to 4-5 on the year after the Week 10 loss to the Wildcats.
Freeze finished his two-plus seasons at Auburn with a 15-19 record.
