Hugh Freeze talks NCAA investigation, job security during spring introductory press conference
Following last week’s announcement of the NCAA handing down its latest notice of allegations against his program, head coach Hugh Freeze was forced to field some questions Tuesday regarding the status of his job in the face of tough allegations.
Freeze met with the media to discuss the beginning of spring football, which begins Tuesday for the Rebels, but of course, the majority of questions fielded by the coach had to do with the biggest news in the SEC this offseason.
The first question Freeze was asked was if he would have done anything differently.
“That’s something that I have and will continue to think about,” Freeze said. “I do that anyway, ‘Could I have done everything different today?’ I always sit back and think about what I could have done differently. Yes, I always step back and think what could I have done differently.”
Freeze was also asked about his concern with his job security.
“I’m not really concerned,” Freeze admitted. “I’ve got administrators that have watched me for five years. Do everything very closely, they’ve supported me and been unwavering in that.”
On if he’s considered the possibility that he will not be the head coach of Ole Miss come the fall.
“Really haven’t (considered that),” Freeze said. “We’ve got so much to think about right now. I don’t let my mind go there. That’s something we’d cross if we ever got to that point.”
When Ole Miss releases its response to the allegations, likely in 83 days — give or take a day or two, we’ll have a better understanding of the school’s answers to the many inquiries brought up by the NCAA. However, judging by last week’s video release of the latest notice of allegations and Freeze’s comments here, it’s clear the school has not backed down from its stance and plans to fight several of the most serious allegations against the program.
Freeze is giving the appearance that Ole Miss has faith it will win its case against the NCAA and ultimately move on from this period. Whether that happens or not remains up in the air at the moment.