Auburn owes Hugh Freeze $15.8 million after firing him in early November 2025, with no mitigation, meaning the school pays it all even if he coaches again. Freeze went 15 and 19 at Auburn and 6 and 16 in the SEC, losing 12 of his last 15 conference games, on the six year, $39 million deal he signed to replace Bryan Harsin in 2022.
HUGH FREEZE · AUBURN BUYOUT
$15.8 million, no mitigation
Fired Nov. 2025 · 15 and 19 at Auburn · Auburn’s fourth coach in seven seasons
| Buyout | $15.8 million |
| Mitigation | None. Any future coaching salary does not reduce what Auburn owes |
| Original contract | Six years, $39 million, signed in 2022 |
| Auburn’s total | About $52.5 million in buyouts for Gus Malzahn, Bryan Harsin and Freeze combined |
| Replacement | Alex Golesh, on a six year deal guaranteeing $44.25 million |
Figures are from the Associated Press and FootballScoop. More on college football coach buyouts.
The Bottom Line
Auburn owes Hugh Freeze $15.8 million with no mitigation after firing him in November 2025, on top of roughly $36 million in earlier buyouts, while paying Alex Golesh more than $7 million a year. Follow the Tigers on the Auburn football schedule and Auburn NIL.