Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze has shared his treatment plan after being diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer earlier this year. In February, Auburn announced the diagnosis, assuring that the prognosis was positive and that Freeze would continue coaching while undergoing treatment. Freeze, whose doctors have described his cancer as “low aggressive,” has decided to forgo surgery for now, opting to revisit the situation next January.
“I’m only 55, and we’re a family of faith. I didn’t feel it was time to rush into surgery,” Freeze told ESPN’s Chris Low this week. “I’m at peace with it.”
Entering his third season as Auburn’s head coach, Freeze is in the midst of his second stint as an SEC coach, having previously led Ole Miss from 2012-16. Freeze has been coaching since 1992, starting as an offensive coordinator at Briarcrest Christian School in Tennessee.
This season is crucial for Freeze, as the Tigers have posted a 6-7 record in his first season and a 5-7 record last year. Auburn has struggled in recent years, with four straight seasons of seven losses, the program’s worst four-year stretch since 1947-50.
Despite the challenges, including his cancer diagnosis, Freeze remains focused on what he can control. “Every day is a gift,” Freeze said. “I’m going to give my best to these kids, my family, and our fans. That’s what I should be concerned about.”
Auburn will wrap up spring practices with their annual A-Day event on Saturday, featuring an open practice for fans followed by an autograph session.
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