Report: Hugh Freeze could take over play-calling duties at Auburn, promote analyst

On Friday, Auburn announced it will be parting ways with offensive coordinator Phil Montgomery. Only a few hours later, reports surfaced claiming head coach Hugh Freeze may take over play-calling duties.

“Final decision hasn’t been made yet, but Hugh Freeze is likely to take over offensive play-calling for Auburn,” Matt Zenitz wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. “It’s also currently looking likely that Tigers analyst Kent Austin is going to end up getting promoted to QB coach.

“Austin was co-OC and QB coach under Freeze at Liberty. Has also been a head coach at Cornell and offensive coordinator at Ole Miss.”

Auburn finished No. 90 nationally in total offense in 2023 and struggled to find consistent quarterback play. They were slightly better in scoring offense, ranking No. 71 nationally, but that mark ranked No. 11 in the SEC out of 14 teams.

Freeze announced the decision to part ways with Phil Montgomery early on Friday afternoon.

“I informed Philip today he would not be retained as our offensive coordinator,” Freeze said in a statement. “Philip is a good coach and a good man. Decisions like this are never easy, however, I decided this is best for our program moving forward. I’m appreciative of his efforts this past year and wish him nothing but the best.”

Nothing new for Hugh Freeze

If Freeze opts to take over play-calling next season, it won’t be an unfamiliar role. At each of his previous head coaching stops, Freeze called the plays. However, the 54-year-old head coach decided to hand off this responsibility during his first season in the driver’s seat at Auburn.

Before Freeze began his debut campaign with the Tigers, he discussed the pivotal decision.

“Play-calling is going to be on Philip,” Freeze said. “Obviously, I reserve the right to jump in and help, and I’ll be in those meetings some to just make I know what we’re doing. We’ll probably share a few things here and there, but I didn’t hire him to not use him. I think I need that help right now. There’s so much to manage in this world of managing your current roster and recruiting and playing to your strengths.

“I need some people in there that I know can put a great plan together and then call it. I’ve never coached on any staff that the head coach didn’t step in or make calls from time to time, or make suggestions. I reserve the right to do that, too, but I don’t think there’s any egos. I don’t have one anymore. I don’t think they do. It’s just, man, we want to do well together.”

Despite a sluggish offensive output, Auburn finished the season with a 6-7 record and was one play away from preventing Alabama from reaching the College Football Playoff. With a new direction on offense next season, Freeze and Co. will look to build on their momentum.