Auburn Tigers Head Coach Hugh Freeze Diagnosed with Prostate Cancer
The University of Auburn revealed on Friday that head football coach Hugh Freeze has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. According to a statement released by the school, the cancer was detected early, and doctors believe it is "very treatable and curable."
Freeze, 55, is expected to maintain his coaching duties while undergoing treatment. The Tigers are scheduled to begin spring training at the end of March.
In the statement, the university shared, "Coach Freeze was recently diagnosed with an early form of prostate cancer. Fortunately, it was detected early, and his doctors have indicated that it is very treatable and curable. He will continue his normal coaching duties and is expected to make a full recovery with the appropriate treatment."
Freeze expressed his gratitude to healthcare professionals and hopes his diagnosis will serve as a reminder of the importance of annual health screenings. "Coach Freeze is incredibly thankful for our healthcare workers and asks that his experience be a reminder for everyone to prioritize and schedule annual health screenings," the statement added.
Freeze took over as head coach of the Auburn Tigers before the 2023 season. In his first year, the team finished with a 6-6 regular-season record before losing in the Music City Bowl. The Tigers showed slight improvement in 2024, ending the season with a 5-7 record.
This is not the first time Freeze has coached while managing health issues. In 2019, he suffered a herniated disc in his back and a staph infection while coaching the Liberty Flames. Despite his hospitalization, he continued to coach from a hospital bed temporarily moved to the stadium’s coaching box for the team’s game on August 31, 2019.
As the team prepares for the 2025 season, Auburn has bolstered its roster through the transfer portal, aiming to become a contender in the Southeastern Conference.
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Chantz Martin is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.
