Auburn dismissed Hugh Freeze on Nov. 2, just one day after the Tigers fell 10–3 to Kentucky and dropped to 4–5 on the season. Freeze wrapped up his stint at Auburn with a 15–19 overall mark and an 0–1 record in bowl appearances.
Now, the program is working through a crowded coaching marketplace to identify its next leader. Auburn is one of four SEC teams currently hunting for a new head coach, joining LSU, Florida, and Arkansas. Thanks to its national profile, deep history, and substantial backing, Auburn is viewed as one of the most attractive openings available, making the search highly competitive.
Speculation around the job has been constant. On Wednesday, CBS Sports analyst Cooper Petagna pointed to Tulane head coach Jon Sumrall as Auburn’s “preferred top target.” Sumrall has Tulane at 8–2 this season and ranked No. 24 in the latest College Football Playoff standings. Now in his second year with the Green Wave, he holds a 17–7 overall record and is 0–1 in bowl games.
Sumrall’s résumé also includes an impressive run at Troy. He guided the Trojans to a 12–2 finish in 2022 and followed that with an 11–3 campaign in 2023. His rapid turnaround of a program that had posted three straight five-win seasons from 2019 to 2021 boosted his reputation as one of the nation’s top rising coaches.
One of Sumrall’s biggest assets is his recruiting ability. That skill could become even more impactful at a school with Auburn’s support system. According to 247Sports, Auburn’s NIL collective for the 2025 cycle sits at $11.58 million, placing it 16th nationally. Coupled with the school’s facilities and conference prestige, many believe Sumrall would be positioned to elevate Auburn’s roster-building efforts immediately.
However, there is a hurdle. ESPN reported that Sumrall signed a contract extension in 2024 that keeps him at Tulane through 2029. While such an agreement doesn’t prevent him from pursuing another opportunity, it does signal a strong level of commitment between him and the Tulane administration.
Sumrall himself addressed the rumors when asked about his future. “I got a job to do. It’s to coach the Tulane football team. I’ve dealt with it every year as a head coach,” he said, per On3’s Sam Gillenwater. His comments reflect a familiar stance among coaches linked to high-profile vacancies: maintaining focus on their current team while acknowledging that outside interest is part of the profession.
Even with his contract extension and public remarks, Sumrall is expected to stay in conversations surrounding Auburn’s vacancy. His track record of winning quickly, his reputation as a recruiter, and his success at multiple programs make him an appealing candidate for any school looking for a fresh start. As Auburn evaluates its options in a competitive SEC hiring cycle, Sumrall’s name is unlikely to disappear from the discussion anytime soon.