‘I’d die to coach in the SEC’: Super Bowl-winning NFL HC could be perfect fit for Auburn Tigers if Hugh Freeze is fired
The Auburn Tigers have been blazing new paths on the recruiting trail over the last year, but the program needs to see on-field results soon. Coming off a five-win season that was even more disappointing than their 6-7 finish the previous season, there’s only so much patience that head coach Hugh Freeze will be afforded. […]
The Auburn Tigers have been blazing new paths on the recruiting trail over the last year, but the program needs to see on-field results soon. Coming off a five-win season that was even more disappointing than their 6-7 finish the previous season, there’s only so much patience that head coach Hugh Freeze will be afforded. The Tigers don’t want his elite 2026 class to bolt if he’s shown the door, but Freeze’s resume isn’t good enough to stick with through another losing season.
With a 60.9% win rate in five years at Ole Miss and 44% win rate at Auburn, Freeze looks more suited to be a high-end Group of Five coach than SEC star. But time may prove differently. If not, the Tigers seemed to just have a new potential match emerge.
What if former Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Las Vegas Raiders head coach Jon Gruden were to make a return to the college game after being away since 1991? The 62-year-old said he’d love the opportunity to coach in the SEC.
“The only reason I really came here is because I want to coach again,” Gruden said. “I’m being honest with you. I do not bullsh** either. I want to coach again. I’d die to coach in the SEC. I would love it. I would f*ing love it. I’ll let you guys this… what I know about the SEC is it’s getting harder. The SEC is getting harder. They tell me Texas is in the SEC. They tell me Oklahoma is in the SEC. G**damn.”
Bringing in an old coach with little college football experience would be bold, but Gruden’s intensity and knack for creativity could be exactly what Auburn needs. Freeze is much more laid back, and it’s hard to feel inspired he has the edge to bring the program into a more competitive status.
Gruden’s coaching career was defined by intensity, innovation, and controversy. Born in 1963, Gruden’s passion for football led him to coaching early, starting as a graduate assistant at the University of Tennessee in 1986.
His NFL journey began in 1990 with the San Francisco 49ers as an offensive assistant, where he absorbed the West Coast offense under Mike Holmgren. Gruden’s knack for quarterback development shone as he moved to the Green Bay Packers (1993-1994) and later became the Philadelphia Eagles’ offensive coordinator (1995-1997).
In 1998, Gruden landed his first head coaching role with the Oakland Raiders at age 34. His high-energy style and offensive acumen transformed the team, leading to two playoff appearances (2000, 2001). Traded to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2002, Gruden achieved his pinnacle, winning Super Bowl XXXVII against the Raiders, leveraging a stout defense and his offensive schemes. His Tampa tenure (2002-2008) saw consistent success but no further championships, with a 57-55 record.
After a stint as an ESPN analyst, Gruden returned to the Raiders in 2018 with a lucrative 10-year contract. His second tenure showed flashes of promise but ended abruptly in 2021 after controversial emails that included disturbing language surfaced, leading to his resignation. Some of the emails were racially-charged and included mysogynistic and homophobic references.
Gruden’s overall NFL head coaching record stands at 117-112, with a reputation for meticulous preparation and quarterback mentoring, notably with Rich Gannon and Brad Johnson.
