Hugh Freeze decided to fire offensive coordinator Phillip Montgomery in a decision the Auburn coach said is “best for our program.”

It was a rollercoaster season for the Auburn offense as it juggled Payton Thorne and Robby Ashford, who has since entered the transfer portal. Freeze initially gave up play calling duties as Montgomery largely ran the show, but around midseason Freeze admitted to being more involved.

However, after the Music City Bowl loss to Maryland, Freeze criticized the offensive game plan after he said he was initially focused on recruiting after the regular season. Then Freeze explained that he joined game planning preparations in recent days leading up to the bowl.

Also after the bowl game, Freeze said the QB job was “wide open” after he recently said he would stick with Thorne in 2024.

“I believe in Payton,” Freeze said before Auburn’s first bowl practice. “I believe in Holden (Geriner). I believe in Hank (Brown) and I believe the kid (2024 QB commit Walker White) we’ve got coming. If I’m wrong, I’m wrong. That’s my belief.”

Auburn’s offense was 10th in the SEC in total offense, as it averaged 351 yards per game.