ESPN updates ranking of open head coaching jobs following Hugh Freeze’s dismissal
By Sydney Hunte
Published:
Auburn is in search of a third head coach in 5 years after the firing of Hugh Freeze.
After dismissing Gus Malzahn after the 2020 season and Bryan Harsin in 2022, the Tigers turned to Freeze. But it’s back to square one after another disappointing campaign. But where does the Auburn job rank among other open positions across college football?
According to ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg, it’s No. 4.
That’s due in part to Auburn’s proximity to one of the country’s most fertile areas for recruits. Despite the Tigers’ struggles, Rittenberg noted Auburn’s successful recruiting, including top 10 classes each of the past 2 seasons.
“Auburn has never had trouble attracting talent. Other than Georgia, Auburn is the closest SEC campus to the Atlanta recruiting hotbed,” Rittenberg said. “Auburn also can access Florida and other talent-producing areas fairly easily.”
Money wouldn’t be an issue for a coach that can rally boosters, either.
“Coaches who Auburn might target to replace Freeze are aware of the reputation behind the scenes, and the need to get the major money people pulling in the same direction,” Rittenberg said. “But Auburn’s success with transfers and player retention underscores that there’s enough of a financial infrastructure to compete with many of the top SEC programs.”
In other words, the potential is there for Auburn. That’s even as the Tigers are on the verge of missing a bowl for the 3rd time in 4 seasons and have finished with 6 or fewer wins each of the last 5 seasons. From 2009 to 2019, they finished with fewer wins just once (in 2012).
“Coaches understand it’s a special place with a devoted fan base and the ingredients to become a national contender again,” Rittenberg said. Auburn desperately wants to rally around the right coach and has the financial clout and favorable location to attract accomplished candidates.”
Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.
