Hugh Freeze’s daughter reveals her father’s health problems that led to Auburn firing
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Auburn’s 10-3 loss to Kentucky on Saturday was Hugh Freeze’s final game at the helm of the Tigers football program.
“Coach Freeze is a man of integrity and we appreciate his investment in Auburn and his tireless work over the past three years to strengthen our roster,” Auburn athletic director John Cohen said in a statement Sunday.
Madi Freeze, the daughter of the former Auburn coach, revealed that she was concerned about her father’s well-being in the months leading up to his firing.
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Auburn Tigers head coach Hugh Freeze on the field before a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium on October 25, 2025, in Fayetteville, Arkansas. (Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
In a video on social media, Madi said her father’s health worsened in the months following a diagnosis of early-stage prostate cancer. Freeze’s diagnosis was made public in February.
Thanks to early detection, doctors believe Freeze’s cancer “is highly treatable and curable,” according to a statement from the school. At that point, the 56-year-old was given the green light to continue his coaching duties during his treatment.
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“In some twisted way, there is a relief factor for me personally because I have seen my father’s health deteriorate because of this,” she said in a video shared on TikTok. “Other people can see it, I know everyone can see it, he’s not healthy.”
Auburn Tigers head coach Hugh Freeze speaks with an official during the third quarter against the South Alabama Jaguars at Jordan-Hare Stadium on Sept. 13, 2025. (John Reed/Image Images)
He added that Freeze is scheduled to undergo procedures.
“I’m grateful that there is relief because my dad is finally getting the surgeries he needs, they are scheduled and he will recover.”
Madi attends Auburn. While he expressed admiration for the school, he also suggested that his father was not fully appreciated during his tenure as coach.
“We loved Auburn, and the moment we got here, everyone insisted that if you love Auburn, it will love you back,” he said. “Unfortunately, that was not the case for us… We do not wish them harm, but we do hope that they will turn to the Lord and find Jesus.”
Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze walks off the field after a loss to Kentucky on Nov. 1, 2025 in Auburn, Alabama. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Freeze left Liberty after the 2022 season and joined Auburn. He coached the Tigers to a 6-7 record in his first season. Auburn won five games under Freeze in 2024.
Auburn fell to 4-5 on the year after a Week 10 loss to the Wildcats.
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Freeze finished his two-plus seasons at Auburn with a 15-19 record.
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Chantz Martin is a sports writer for News Digital.