Auburn University’s head football coach, Hugh Freeze, has been diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer, the university announced on February 28, 2025. The 55-year-old coach received the diagnosis during a routine health screening. Medical professionals have indicated that the condition is highly treatable and curable. Despite the diagnosis, Freeze plans to continue his coaching responsibilities while undergoing treatment.
In a statement, the university emphasized the importance of regular health check-ups, quoting Freeze’s appreciation for the medical team and his intent to use his experience to highlight the significance of annual screenings. This diagnosis comes as Auburn prepares for its upcoming spring drills, scheduled to begin in late March.
This isn’t the first health challenge Freeze has faced in his coaching career. In 2019, while serving as the head coach at Liberty University, he was hospitalized due to a severe back infection caused by a potentially life-threatening strain of staph bacteria. The infection, which had entered his bloodstream, required immediate surgery and an extended recovery period. Despite the severity of his condition at that time, Freeze demonstrated resilience by continuing to coach from a hospital bed and later from a specially equipped coaching booth.
Freeze’s coaching tenure at Auburn began in 2023. Over two seasons, he has led the Tigers to an 11-14 record. Prior to joining Auburn, Freeze held head coaching positions at Liberty University, Arkansas State University, and the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), amassing a career record of 94-57.
The Auburn community and the broader college football fraternity have rallied around Freeze, offering support and well-wishes for his swift recovery. His determination to maintain his coaching duties during treatment underscores his commitment to the team and the sport.
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