Hugh Freeze Buyout

Hugh Freeze's Auburn Contract Details Revealed

Six-Year, $40 Million Deal with Power Five-Friendly Buyout

Posted: October 28, 2022 at 2:28 pm ET | Reading Time: 2 minutes

Auburn, AL - The contract details for Hugh Freeze's appointment as head coach at Auburn have been released, revealing a six-year, $40 million deal. However, the contract reportedly includes a buyout clause that favors Freeze should he depart for a Power Five conference.

According to the contract, Freeze will receive an annual base salary of $6.5 million. This is a significant increase from his previous salary at Liberty University, where he reportedly earned an average of $4 million per year.

The contract also includes a buyout clause that allows Freeze to leave Auburn for a Power Five conference for a fee of $2.5 million. This is likely to be seen as a favorable provision for Freeze, as it gives him flexibility should a more high-profile coaching opportunity arise.

"We are excited to have Coach Freeze leading our football program," said Auburn Athletic Director Allen Greene. "He has a proven track record of success, and we believe he is the right person to elevate our program to the next level."

Freeze's hiring comes after Auburn fired Bryan Harsin earlier this season. Harsin had a controversial tenure at Auburn, and his departure was met with mixed reactions from fans and players.

Freeze has a reputation as an offensive-minded coach. He has led his teams to several conference championships and bowl game victories. Freeze is expected to bring a similar style of play to Auburn, which has struggled offensively in recent years.

The Tigers are scheduled to open their 2023 season on September 2nd against the Mercer Bears. It will be Freeze's first game as head coach at Auburn.