Auburn Football Coach Hugh Freeze Diagnosed with Prostate Cancer

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Auburn Football head coach Hugh Freeze  speaks to the media at the 2024 SEC Football Kickoff,...

Image credits: James D. Smith/SEC

Auburn football coach Hugh Freeze was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer and is expected to make a full recovery after doctors detected the disease in its early stages, the school announced Friday. Freeze, 53, will continue coaching the Tigers while receiving treatment, Auburn officials said in a statement. The prostate cancer was detected early, and his doctors have advised that it is very treatable and curable.

Freeze will continue his normal coaching duties and responsibilities while undergoing treatment. The Tigers are scheduled to start spring practice on March 25. With the additions of transfer quarterback Jackson Arnold, receivers Eric Singleton Jr. and Horatio Fields, offensive tackle Xavier Chaplin, and others, the Tigers are expected to be much improved this coming season. Freeze's teams went 11-14 (5-11 SEC) in his first two seasons, including a 5-7 campaign in 2024.

At Liberty, Freeze coached from a hospital bed set up in the coaches' box during the Flames' 24-0 loss to Syracuse in his debut on Aug. 31, 2019. Freeze was recovering from surgery for a herniated disk in his back and a staph infection. The university says Freeze's diagnosis is a reminder of the importance of prioritizing and scheduling annual health screenings. Auburn is gearing up for its third season under Freeze, and the team is set to commence its spring practice on March 25.

The following are the key details about Auburn's upcoming season:

  • Spring practice starts on March 25
  • Transfer quarterback Jackson Arnold joins the team
  • Receivers Eric Singleton Jr. and Horatio Fields join the team
  • Offensive tackle Xavier Chaplin joins the team
Freeze holds an 11-14 record through his first two seasons at Auburn with a 5-11 mark in conference play. The Tigers capped the 2023 season with an appearance in the Music City Bowl, though they failed to qualify for the postseason after posting a 5-7 record in 2024.

Prior to taking over at Auburn, Freeze had head-coaching stints at Liberty (2019-22), Ole Miss (2012-16), and Arkansas State (2011). He has also held assistant coaching posts at Ole Miss and Arkansas State. With his experience and the new additions to the team, the Tigers are expected to have a successful season under Freeze's leadership, and his diagnosis with prostate cancer will not hinder his coaching duties.

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