Just some of my thoughts as this four-week coaching search comes to a conclusion...
** I've felt all along that Lane Kiffin and Hugh Freeze were the two strongest candidates for the position and for Auburn to get one of those is a win in my book.
** I've felt like Kiffin was the frontrunner from the start but we all knew he would have to make a final decision at some point and he's decided not to move away from Ole Miss at this time. I'm a little surprised by that but those are personal career decisions guys have to make.
** I thought Kiffin would bring elite recruiting/player acquisition, elite offensive coaching, but wouldn't necessarily be a guy that relates well to the everyday Auburn fan. I think Freeze will actually check off all three of those boxes, but he does carry a little more baggage too.
** I believe in second chances for players and coaches. I expect in less than 24 hours, Freeze is getting that opportunity at a football program he is going to be thrilled to lead and one that desperately needs a winner. If he can keep all his off-the-field ducks in a row, this has the potential to be a great hire for Auburn and one that brings the program back to championship contention.
** Prepare yourself for what's going to be a wild December. Auburn's roster needs a big upgrade. I believe Freeze already understands this and will hit the ground running. The portal opens 12/5 and early signing day in 12/21.
** I've felt all along that Lane Kiffin and Hugh Freeze were the two strongest candidates for the position and for Auburn to get one of those is a win in my book.
** I've felt like Kiffin was the frontrunner from the start but we all knew he would have to make a final decision at some point and he's decided not to move away from Ole Miss at this time. I'm a little surprised by that but those are personal career decisions guys have to make.
** I thought Kiffin would bring elite recruiting/player acquisition, elite offensive coaching, but wouldn't necessarily be a guy that relates well to the everyday Auburn fan. I think Freeze will actually check off all three of those boxes, but he does carry a little more baggage too.
** I believe in second chances for players and coaches. I expect in less than 24 hours, Freeze is getting that opportunity at a football program he is going to be thrilled to lead and one that desperately needs a winner. If he can keep all his off-the-field ducks in a row, this has the potential to be a great hire for Auburn and one that brings the program back to championship contention.
** Prepare yourself for what's going to be a wild December. Auburn's roster needs a big upgrade. I believe Freeze already understands this and will hit the ground running. The portal opens 12/5 and early signing day in 12/21.
