The most interesting things Hugh Freeze said at his introductory press conference, and some unfortunate gaffes
Hugh Freeze is officially back in college football. After briefly accepting a position with the Alliance of American Football’s Arizona Hotshots, Freeze became one of the most talked-about names in this off-season’s coaching carousel with offensive coordinator openings at Tennessee, Auburn and Florida State. Despite the strong interest to be a play-caller, Freeze ended up landing a head coaching job at Liberty.
The exiled former Ole Miss coach spoke to the media Friday. He offered some insight into what kind of program he looks to run at Liberty and made some gaffes in the process indicating he either severely lacks in self-awareness or is trolling us all.
It was an emotional press conference for Freeze, as touched on the highs and the lows of his head coaching tenure with the Rebels.
Hugh Freeze is getting emotional, breaking down on the podium while talking about his family.
"I’ve won Sugar Bowls and been praised. I’ve made decisions that have hurt a lot of people. Don’t want to experience that again."
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) December 7, 2018
“I’ve made decisions that have hurt a lot of people. And I dont ever want to feel that again.”
Freeze getting emotional talking about how family has helped him after past mistakes.
— David DeGuzman (@ddeguzmanTV) December 7, 2018
Freeze: “Integrity is when you don’t get it exactly right, you own it and make the necessary changes and move forward.”
— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) December 7, 2018
Freeze: “I’m more determined than ever. I’m more dedicated than ever and I have a passion to make this place everything the administration seeks to make it”
— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) December 7, 2018
He also indicated while he’ll be a cultural fit at Liberty:
Hugh Freeze: "Our program is going to be about certain core values. No. 1 is Faith. It’s about the man Jesus Christ."
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) December 7, 2018
He indicated that his roughly 17-month absence from college football has helped him reflect:
Freeze: "I've sat out of football for the better part of two years, given me time to reflect on the core values." pic.twitter.com/4tO13zNofO
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) December 7, 2018
And then there were the gaffes. He said some things a man who was publicly embarrassed for calling escorts should probably avoid saying:
"My wife of 27 years would tell you I've inconvenienced her many times in our marriage." — Hugh Freeze
— Dennis Dodd (@dennisdoddcbs) December 7, 2018
“He’s the only one I’ve ever met who can handle my junk” pic.twitter.com/FXqdDzfi2M
— Barrett Sallee (@BarrettSallee) December 7, 2018
Hugh Freeze during his Liberty introductory press conference:
“I’m all about finishing.”
We know, Hugh. We know…
— SEC Mike (@MichaelWBratton) December 7, 2018
The Hugh Freeze Press Conference is going into the PHRASING Hall of Fame. pic.twitter.com/gUIR3meX5p
— Slade Gilmer (@SladeGilmer) December 7, 2018
There's some dude in the back of that Hugh Freeze press conference who has muttered "that's what she said" at least 27 times.
— Jeff (@saintwarrick) December 7, 2018
Last tweet was by far the most telling.
Someone forgot to tell him that when you add an s to something its plural. He didn’t win a sugar bowl his team did but only one.
“Integrity is when you don’t get it exactly right, you own it and make the necessary changes and move forward.”
He modified the definition so that he could circuitously describe himself as having integrity. He is, and will always be, a sanctimonious blowhard. Sure, he deserves a second chance, as everyone does, but that doesn’t change the fact that he is a snake oil salesman.
Is Hugh Freeze really Bobby Petrino in disguise??