Auburn University’s football coach, Hugh Freeze, has a significant financial arrangement in place should the university choose to terminate his contract. Details reveal that if Freeze is dismissed after the 2025 season, Auburn will owe him $15.4 million as a buyout.
Buyout Structure and Financial Details
Freeze’s buyout decreases annually, allowing Auburn to save on potential termination costs over time. Here is a breakdown of the buyout amounts:
- $15.4 million after the 2025 season
- $9.75 million after the 2026 season
- $4.87 million after the 2027 season
- $0 million after the 2028 season
If Freeze were to be fired on December 1, 2025, Auburn would pay him approximately $406,105 per month until January 31, 2029. Currently, Freeze earns $6.75 million annually and has three years remaining on his contract, which he signed in November 2022.
Contract Benefits and Performance
Beyond salary, Freeze enjoys several perks as part of his contract. These include:
- Provision of a new car each year
- Coverage of gas, servicing, and insurance for the vehicle
- Tickets to a private suite for home games
- Full access to a country club of his choice, including paid monthly dues
Freeze was appointed head coach to revive a struggling Auburn program that hadn’t seen a winning record since 2019. However, his tenure has been challenging. Freeze’s overall record stands at 15-19, with just 6 wins and 16 losses in SEC games.
Current Season Struggles
This season, Auburn has faced adversity, currently sitting at 1-5 in SEC play. They recently secured their first conference victory against Arkansas. Defensively, the Tigers have performed well, limiting opponents to an average of 18.6 points per game. However, the offensive unit has lagged behind, ranking second-to-last in the SEC by averaging only 340.6 yards per game.
Hugh Freeze previously achieved notable success at Liberty, with four consecutive winning seasons, and had a top-10 ranking during his time at Ole Miss. The ongoing season will be critical for his coaching career at Auburn.
