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Auburn Fires Hugh Freeze After Kentucky Loss as D.J. Durkin Named Interim

The decision triggers a buyout of roughly $15 million under a deal running through 2029.

Overview

  • Freeze was dismissed after a 10-3 home defeat to previously winless-in-SEC Kentucky, leaving Auburn at 4-5 overall and 1-5 in conference play.
  • USA Today’s database pegs the buyout at about $15.4 million, with some reports citing up to $15.8 million depending on final calculations.
  • On3 reports the payout equals 75% of the remaining contract value, estimated at roughly $406,105 per month through January 2029.
  • Defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin steps in as interim head coach as Auburn opens a national search for its next leader.
  • Media outlets have highlighted early targets including Tulane’s Jon Sumrall, South Florida’s Alex Golesh and Georgia defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann, while Freeze departs with a 15-19 record and recruiting concerns mounting.