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Hugh Freeze reveals next steps in treatment plan following cancer diagnosis
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Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze told ESPN he has decided on a treatment plan to address his recent cancer diagnosis.
In February, it was revealed that Freeze had been diagnosed with an early form of prostate cancer. At the time, Auburn said the prognosis was a good one and that Freeze would continue with his normal coaching duties while undergoing treatment. Freeze, whose doctors recently advised him that his form of cancer was “low aggressive,” has opted against surgery and will wait until next January to re-examine the situation.
“I’m only 55. We’re a family of faith, and I just didn’t feel like it was time to rush into surgery,” Freeze told ESPN’s Chris Low this week. “I’m at peace with it.”
Freeze, 55, is entering his third season as the head football coach for the Tigers. He is in his second stint as an SEC coach after previously helming the Ole Miss program from 2012-16. Freeze has been coaching in some capacity since 1992, when he coordinated an offense for Briarcrest Christian School in Tennessee.
He’s entering a critical season on the Plains. The Tigers went 6-7 in his first season and went just 5-7 last fall. Dating back to the Bryan Harsin era, the Tigers have lost 7 games in 4 consecutive seasons. It’s the worst 4-year stretch for the program since losing 29 combined games from 1947-50.
As Freeze attempts to turn things around, a cancer diagnosis threw a major wrench into the operation. But the Auburn head coach told ESPN he’s focusing on what he can control.
“I think as much as anything it’s just been a reminder that every day is a gift, and man, I’m going to give my best to these kids, my family, and our fans,” Freeze said. “That’s what I should be concerned about.”
Auburn concludes spring ball on Saturday with its annual A-Day event. The Tigers will hold an open practice for fans, followed by an autograph session.
Derek Peterson does a bit of everything, not unlike Taysom Hill. He has covered Oklahoma, Nebraska, the Pac-12, and now delivers CFB-wide content.
