Overview
- Auburn dismissed Hugh Freeze after a 10-3 home loss to Kentucky, with Cohen citing chronic offensive inefficiency and poor fourth-quarter performance.
- D.J. Durkin was appointed interim head coach and will be considered for the permanent job, and he will continue to call the defense over the final three games.
- Offensive coordinator Derrick Nix has been named the sole play-caller, with Durkin signaling an aggressive approach and no additional on-field coaching changes.
- Freeze’s buyout is projected at about 75% of his remaining deal, roughly $15.4 million, and Auburn has begun discussions on the payout.
- Cohen said he is leading a national search, may or may not use a search firm, expects candidates to be actively coaching, and acknowledged Durkin’s past at Maryland has resurfaced as the search proceeds.