The Auburn coaching search should be simple: Follow your own creed

Auburn University is once again seeking a new head football coach after firing Hugh Freeze, marking the third coaching change in five years. Freeze, who was hired to revitalize the program, failed to produce a winning season, leaving the Tigers on course for their fifth consecutive losing season—a first since the 1940s. His tenure ended with a 16-19 record marred by past NCAA violations and personal misconduct.

The decision to part ways with Freeze comes amid ongoing leadership challenges at Auburn, which began in 2017 with the controversial hiring of Steven Leath as university president. Under his leadership, the program struggled, deviating from its traditional values and facing internal turbulence.

John Cohen, Auburn’s Athletic Director, is leading the search for Freeze's replacement. Cohen, a former coach and player, emphasizes the need for a candidate who truly understands and embodies Auburn's values. Potential candidates include Tulane's Jon Sumrall, known for his success at Troy and strong ties to Alabama high