Paul Finebaum: The Hugh Freeze era begins now for Auburn

While the 2023 season was tough for Hugh Freeze and the Auburn Tigers, it was always going to be a transition. Flushing out some of the issues Bryan Harsin brought to the Plains and revamping the program was going to take time. Auburn just had to deal with an on-field roller coaster, including a tough final three games.

In Paul Finebaum’s eyes, this is where we can officially declare the beginning of Freeze’s time at Auburn. There is going to be some pressure to win in 2024 after three consecutive losing seasons. Finebaum does not believe Freeze is facing a make-or-break type year but results can fairly be judged moving forward.

“I think, in many ways, the Hugh Freeze era begins now,” Finebaum said. “Last year was a collection of high-wire moments, some success, some absolutely bitter moments from the Alabama game, for the New Mexico State game. Obviously, the bowl game. I think for Hugh Freeze, this is where it begins. I’m not saying he’s on the clock because he’s not… But now, I think we can start looking, objectively, at what he’s doing.”

Quarterback play being inconsistent was an area Finebaum mentioned he would be looking for improvement. Freeze is thought to be one of the SEC’s best offensive minds but Payton Thorne did not have the best season. Auburn did not dip back into the NCAA transfer portal for another quarterback either, likely meaning Thorne is the guy moving forward.

However, the biggest change for Freeze will be his coaching staff. After one season, a whole new group of coaches are in the building. Freeze will be calling plays while the defense will be getting a new look under DJ Durkin.

Pushing the rest button with his staff after just one season means improvements need to show up quickly.

“I’d like to see what impact and what effect all these new coaches are going to have because this is a complete overhaul,” Finebaum said. “That has happened over one year. We know it essentially happened with Nick Saban. I didn’t expect that as quickly as we did with Hugh Freeze but I really think it’s a restart.”

Per usual, Auburn boasts a tough schedule. Arkansas and Oklahoma are not the easiest programs to open your SEC season against. And then the following three games will be on the road against teams likely to be ranked in the preseason polls — Georgia, Mizzou, and Kentucky. The entire month of October will be spent away from Jordan-Hare Stadium.

Then there is the Iron Bowl against Alabama to close out the year.

Freeze has a tough task ahead of him, as Auburn coaches have throughout the years. There is still belief in what he is building though and after a potential throwaway season in 2023, Finebaum says results are going to begin to matter.