Auburn University fired head football coach Hugh Freeze on Sunday. “I have informed Coach Freeze of my decision to make a change in leadership with the Auburn Football program,” Auburn Athletic Director John Cohen said.”Coach Freeze is a man of integrity, and we are appreciative of his investment in Auburn and his relentless work over the last three years in bolstering our roster. Our expectations for Auburn Football are to annually compete for championships and the search for the next leader of Auburn Football begins immediately.” Defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin will serve as the interim head coach, according to Auburn Athletics.Freeze will be owed approximately $15 million in buyout money, according to ESPN.Listen to his last post-game news conference in the video player below.From FreezeFreeze released a statement later in the day. “As I reflect on my time here at Auburn, I’m filled with gratitude and humility. Serving as the head football coach at this incredible university has been one of the greatest honors of my career. From the moment I arrived on The Plains, I felt the warmth, passion, and unwavering support that make Auburn truly special.”This community is built on tradition, integrity, and a deep love for one another — values that have guided me throughout my journey. Whether it was the roar of Jordan-Hare Stadium on a Saturday night, the quiet moments walking through campus, or the countless conversations with fans, alumni, and students, I’ve been reminded time and again of what it means to be part of the Auburn Family.”To our players — thank you for your commitment, your heart, and your belief in the process and fight that you have shown each week. Watching you grow as athletes and men has been the most rewarding part of this job.”To our staff — no one will ever know your tireless work behind the scenes but thank you for fighting for Auburn every day. And to our fans — your passion fuels us. You’ve stood by us through every high and low, and your loyalty never wavers.”I humbly ask you to continue to fully support these student-athletes as they seek to finish the season strong under Coach Durkin’s leadership.”It’s my fervent belief that great days are ahead for the Auburn football program.”Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this chapter. I love this place, and I’ll carry the friendships with me always.”War Eagle and God Bless.” What led up to the decision The move follows a devastating backslide for the Tigers, who snapped a 4-game SEC losing streak last week just to lose to Kentucky 10-3 Saturday night on the Plains. It was the Wildcats’ first conference win this season and their first against Auburn since 2009.“I wish I could ask for patience, but that’s not something that people want to give in this day and time, and I understand that,” Freeze said shortly after he was booed off the field at Jordan-Hare Stadium Saturday.Watch the moment Freeze was booed off the field by the student section below.Auburn hasn’t seen a winning season in the three years that Freeze has been at the helm. The Tigers went 15-19 during his tenure. Freeze’s firing is just the latest in a string of mid-season staffing changes to shake up the college football world this year.This is a developing story and will be updated as information becomes available. Stay updated on the latest stories with the WVTM 13 app. You can download it here.Our parent company, Hearst, is a part owner of ESPN.

AUBURN, Ala. —

Auburn University fired head football coach Hugh Freeze on Sunday.

“I have informed Coach Freeze of my decision to make a change in leadership with the Auburn Football program,” Auburn Athletic Director John Cohen said.

“Coach Freeze is a man of integrity, and we are appreciative of his investment in Auburn and his relentless work over the last three years in bolstering our roster. Our expectations for Auburn Football are to annually compete for championships and the search for the next leader of Auburn Football begins immediately.”

Defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin will serve as the interim head coach, according to Auburn Athletics.

Freeze will be owed approximately $15 million in buyout money, according to ESPN.

Listen to his last post-game news conference in the video player below.

From Freeze

Freeze released a statement later in the day.

“As I reflect on my time here at Auburn, I’m filled with gratitude and humility. Serving as the head football coach at this incredible university has been one of the greatest honors of my career. From the moment I arrived on The Plains, I felt the warmth, passion, and unwavering support that make Auburn truly special.

“This community is built on tradition, integrity, and a deep love for one another — values that have guided me throughout my journey. Whether it was the roar of Jordan-Hare Stadium on a Saturday night, the quiet moments walking through campus, or the countless conversations with fans, alumni, and students, I’ve been reminded time and again of what it means to be part of the Auburn Family.

“To our players — thank you for your commitment, your heart, and your belief in the process and fight that you have shown each week. Watching you grow as athletes and men has been the most rewarding part of this job.

“To our staff — no one will ever know your tireless work behind the scenes but thank you for fighting for Auburn every day. And to our fans — your passion fuels us. You’ve stood by us through every high and low, and your loyalty never wavers.

“I humbly ask you to continue to fully support these student-athletes as they seek to finish the season strong under Coach Durkin’s leadership.

“It’s my fervent belief that great days are ahead for the Auburn football program.

“Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this chapter. I love this place, and I’ll carry the friendships with me always.

“War Eagle and God Bless.”

What led up to the decision

The move follows a devastating backslide for the Tigers, who snapped a 4-game SEC losing streak last week just to lose to Kentucky 10-3 Saturday night on the Plains. It was the Wildcats’ first conference win this season and their first against Auburn since 2009.

“I wish I could ask for patience, but that’s not something that people want to give in this day and time, and I understand that,” Freeze said shortly after he was booed off the field at Jordan-Hare Stadium Saturday.

Watch the moment Freeze was booed off the field by the student section below.

Auburn hasn’t seen a winning season in the three years that Freeze has been at the helm. The Tigers went 15-19 during his tenure.

Freeze’s firing is just the latest in a string of mid-season staffing changes to shake up the college football world this year.

This is a developing story and will be updated as information becomes available. Stay updated on the latest stories with the WVTM 13 app. You can download it here.

Our parent company, Hearst, is a part owner of ESPN.