Hugh Freeze's Prostate Cancer Diagnosis
Hugh Freeze. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Hugh Freeze, ex-head coach of Auburn Tigers, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in February 2025. He was recently fired from his position as head coach in November 2025 after a series of poor performances by the Auburn Tigers.
Hugh Freeze’s prostate cancer diagnosis
Auburn Tigers is the American college football team of Auburn University. Freeze had been the head coach of Auburn Tigers for three seasons prior to his firing. In February 2025, Auburn University released an official statement, announcing that Freeze had been “diagnosed with an early form of prostate cancer”.
In spite of his diagnosis, the university added that Freeze would still be continuing to coach the Auburn Tigers while receiving treatment. The statement wrote, “He will continue his normal coaching duties and responsibilities, and with forthcoming proper treatment, is expected to make a full recovery.”
Freeze has been known to be a very committed and passionate coach. In 2019, Freeze made his coaching debut for another American college football team, the Flames. However, he was hospitalized after a surgery for a herniated disk and a staphylococcal infection. Despite that, he coached from a hospital bed in his coaching box.
Prostate cancer is typically more curable when caught early. Hence, early detection is key.
Latest updates on Hugh Freeze’s condition
Auburn Tigers’ fall camp 2025
In July 2025, Freeze issued an update on his condition prior to the Auburn Tigers’ fall camp. He shared, "I feel as good for this camp as I probably have in years. I don't think anything about the [sic] health right now, whether that's right, wrong or indifferent. I talk to docs, I had three of them text me yesterday. They're awesome. I've got a great team around me, but I just don't have any – I mean, I don't feel sick."
He added that he had been trying different methods to fight against the disease. “My wife has me taking all kinds of natural things that supposedly may cure prostate cancer. We hope it does, and we’ll recheck it in January to see where things are,” he shared.
Freeze’s firing from Auburn Tigers
Freeze was fired as coach of Auburn Tigers in November 2025. Auburn University posted a heartfelt message, thanking Freeze for his commitment and service to the team. The statement read, “Coach Freeze is a man of integrity, and we are appreciative of his investment in Auburn and his relentless work over the last three years in bolstering our roster.”
Following his release from the University team, his daughter, Madi Freeze, took to social media to share her thoughts. Madi shared that even months prior to her father’s firing, his condition had been deteriorating. Despite his worsening condition, Freeze continued to coach the Auburn Tigers.
“In some twisted way, there’s a relief factor for me personally because I’ve watched my dad’s health just deteriorate over this,” Madi shared. “Other people can see it, I know y’all can see it, he’s not healthy. I’m thankful there’s relief that my dad finally gets to have the surgeries that he needs, and they’re scheduled, and he’s going to get healthy.”