Auburn has fired Hugh Freeze and is widely expected to search for a new head coach in the 2025-2026 cycle. Early reporting and multiple outlets in early November 2025 point to several strong candidates and an aggressive coaching search, with Jon Sumrall and Lane Kiffin among the names frequently discussed. Key context so you have a clear picture:
- Status: Hugh Freeze is no longer the Auburn head coach as of now, with a substantial buyout involved in the transition. This sets the stage for Auburn to conduct a high-profile coaching search.
- Leading candidates: Public reporting commonly cites Jon Sumrall (Tulane) as an early favorite given his recent success and SEC connections, along with other high-profile names that often surface in coaching carousel discussions (Lane Kiffin, James Franklin, Brent Key, etc.) depending on the outlet.
- Range of options: Multiple outlets list a mix of offensive-minded and program-building candidates, with some suggesting a focus on players and staff who can quickly stabilize the program while maintaining competitive energy in the SEC.
What to watch next:
- Official announcements: Auburn’s formal hiring timeline and any public statements from the athletic department will confirm the direction and set a target date for a new coach.
- Candidate movement: Look for hires or formal negotiations to surface from major outlets or the school’s communications as the process progresses.
- Strategic goals: Reports often emphasize offensive-minded leadership, recruiting prowess, and quick turnaround potential given the competitive SEC landscape.
Direct answer: As of now, the frontrunner discussions center around Jon Sumrall as an early favorite to become Auburn’s next head coach, with other high-profile names frequently mentioned in media speculation. The situation is fluid, and the official choice will depend on the coaching search committee’s decisions and negotiations in the coming days to weeks.
