Paul Finebaum Calls Fired SEC Coach 'Laughable'

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The Hugh Freeze era for the Auburn Tigers did not meet fans’ expectations. Freeze compiled a record of 15-19 over three seasons, resulting in three consecutive losing seasons.

Due to his lackluster performance, Freeze was dismissed after just nine games this past season. During his final season, he guided the team to a 4-5 record, despite a promising 3-0 start. He has since been replaced by Alex Golesh, the former head coach of the South Florida Bulls. As of now, Freeze has not been hired for any other coaching positions across the country.

SEC Network analyst Paul Finebaum recently appeared on AL.com’s “Beat Everyone” podcast, where he discussed various topics, including a segment where he described several college football coaches, including Freeze, using just one word.

“Laughable,” Finebaum said.

When Freeze took over, the Tigers had experienced two consecutive losing seasons and three seasons in which they won six games or fewer. He was brought in to revive the once proud program and return it to its national championship-contending status, reminiscent of the success it had in the 2010s. However, under his leadership, the team never achieved more than six wins in a season and only participated in one bowl game, which occurred during his first year as head coach.

Freeze engaged in the blame game regarding his lack of success, attributing it partly to the performance of transfer quarterback Jackson Arnold. He suggested that Arnold’s performance contributed to his dismissal.

“It didn’t work out to the level that he nor I both expected for him and our team,” Freeze said. “And that’s why I’m sitting here.”

Freeze was hired to stabilize Auburn and return it to national relevance, but instead leaves behind a program still searching for answers. With a new coaching staff now in place, the Tigers are once again tasked with rebuilding trust, consistency and on-field results in one of college football’s most unforgiving environments.

Related: Hugh Freeze Opens Up About Mounting Pressure Before Crucial Season

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 18, 2025, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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