What a difference a new hire makes.
After a disappointing end to the Gus Malzahn era, Auburn hoped to turn its program around by hiring Bryan Harsin. The hire appeared to be a great move early on, as Auburn boasted a 6-2 record through Harsin’s first eight games. However, Harsin would win just three more games in 13 opportunities before being relieved of his duties.
The program got a do-over in November 2022 by hiring a man with SEC experience, [autotag]Hugh Freeze[/autotag]. Although he has not coached a game at Auburn yet, the results of the hire are impressive. His strong start will no doubt bring him pressure, as he will be expected to show results on the field rather quickly.
Greg McElroy, a former Alabama quarterback and current ESPN analyst, says that the pressure surrounding Freeze is at an 8 on a 1-10 scale.
“(Auburn) is a pressure-packed place. But I actually think the number is a little lower than it would be traditionally, that’s why I have Hugh Freeze at eight,” McElroy said on his podcast titled Always College Football. “Because I think the alignment at Auburn has never been better.”
He cites Auburn’s history of “tug-of-war” between head coaches, boosters, and administration, but feels that Freeze has changed that narrative, which will ultimately pay off in the end.
“Hugh Freeze is already making a huge splash on the recruiting trail,” McElroy said. “Now, that’s for 2024 and beyond, but if you look at what he inherited this year, man, they did a really good job of going and fortifying the roster with some really solid Division I prospects that played other places and might ultimately be starters Day 1 there on the plays. I think Hugh Freeze is in a great spot. A great spot. He has great support. He has great access to NIL opportunities for his boosters and for his players. I think he totally has the support of everyone in the athletic department. I think the president is completely on board, and this is a place that is not that far removed from having big-time, big-time football.
Check out McElroy’s thoughts on the pressure that Freeze will experience here:
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